If you’ve ever craved a meal that’s full of flavor but gentle on effort, Garlic Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. With juicy chicken, a golden sear, and a luscious garlic-lemon sauce, this dish brings comfort, brightness, and irresistible aromas to your table—all in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, Garlic Chicken delivers a restaurant-worthy experience right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, yet every ingredient is carefully chosen to boost flavor, color, and texture. Each item plays a starring role, so gather the freshest you can find and let these essentials shine.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for a lighter bite—both soak up that garlicky sauce beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (minced): The heart of the recipe, fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with its unmistakable aroma and warmth.
- Olive oil: Helps create that sought-after golden sear and adds a subtle richness to the pan sauce.
- Butter: Just a touch for finishing, butter brings the sauce together and gives it a silky finish.
- Chicken broth: Lifts the fond (those tasty brown bits in the pan) and forms the base of the savory sauce.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the flavors and balances out the richness of the garlic and butter.
- Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with chicken and garlic.
- Paprika: Offers gentle color and a little warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t be shy, season to taste.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end for freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels—this step is key for getting that perfect sear later. Generously season both sides of each piece with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. The blend of seasonings ensures every bite of your Garlic Chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until a beautiful golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about one minute is perfect. This step releases those magical garlic oils, which will infuse the sauce with rich flavor.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits clinging to the pan. These caramelized bits add so much depth to your Garlic Chicken sauce. Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced and fragrant.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken (plus any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Spoon the garlic-lemon sauce over the top, letting the chicken simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. This final step helps all those flavors meld together for the ultimate Garlic Chicken experience. Finish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley, if using, and serve hot.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle your Garlic Chicken with freshly chopped parsley. The bright green not only makes the dish pop visually but adds a fresh, herby note that balances the richness. If you love a little zest, a light dusting of lemon zest can also brighten up each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is a dream alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even over a bed of soft polenta. If you’re after something lighter, serve Garlic Chicken with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette. The sauce begs to be soaked up—crusty bread is never a bad idea!
Creative Ways to Present
Garlic Chicken is versatile enough to star in everything from casual family dinners to date nights. For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it over pasta, or tuck pieces into a warm pita with fresh greens and a dollop of yogurt. If you’re entertaining, arrange the chicken on a platter with extra lemon wedges and parsley for an inviting, shareable centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Garlic Chicken cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even better!
Freezing
Garlic Chicken freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Garlic Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, to ensure even warming without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for Garlic Chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces will add extra flavor and stay very juicy. Just increase the cooking time—make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Is it possible to make Garlic Chicken dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use a plant-based butter or omit the butter entirely and rely on olive oil. The dish will still taste wonderful, with all that garlicky goodness shining through.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well. In a pinch, water with a splash of white wine (or a pinch of bouillon) will add depth to the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet with the chicken?
Definitely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be sautéed right in the pan after the chicken is seared, absorbing the flavors of the sauce for a complete one-pan meal.
How can I make the sauce creamy?
For a creamy twist on Garlic Chicken, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut cream just before adding the chicken back to the pan. The result is a velvety, luscious sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a dish that’s both simple and spectacular, and Garlic Chicken fits the bill every time. With its bold aromas, quick prep, and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!
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Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make main course featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a delicious garlic, lemon, and herb sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers juicy, golden chicken with a rich, aromatic sauce accented by fresh parsley. Serve it alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken thoroughly with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic sauce over the top to coat evenly. Simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, use thighs; for a leaner dish, opt for chicken breasts.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- To create a creamier sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream before returning the chicken to the pan.
- This recipe can be made dairy-free by omitting the butter or substituting with a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
