The Perfect Garlic Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Garlic chicken crafts ordinary poultry into a succulent masterpiece that delights taste buds.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across this incredibly aromatic protein, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Robust garlic notes penetrate deep into tender meat, creating layers of complex taste sensations.

Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible fragrance that signals something extraordinary is happening.

Home cooks adore this straightforward method of elevating a classic protein with minimal ingredients.

Each carefully prepared piece delivers maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques or excessive preparation time.

Bold yet approachable, this recipe ensures a crowd-pleasing meal that feels simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

Savory Garlic Chicken That’s Simple and Delicious

• Savor Quick Golden Perfection: This garlic chicken recipe delivers stunning golden-brown chicken breasts in just 10-15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners with minimal preparation time.
• Indulge in Rich Flavor Explosion: The method of deglazing the pan with chicken broth and creating a luxurious garlic butter sauce ensures each chicken piece is deeply infused with aromatic, savory flavors that tantalize taste buds.
• Master Simple Gourmet Technique: By using a single skillet and mastering the art of searing without disturbing the meat, home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results with professional-level browning and moisture retention, transforming an ordinary chicken breast into an extraordinary meal.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best when evenly pounded for consistent cooking.
• 21 Salute Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend and basic seasonings that enhance the chickens natural flavor and create a delicious crust.

• Olive Oil: Provides a healthy cooking fat with a light flavor for initial chicken searing.
• Chicken Broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce, releasing delicious browned bits from cooking.
• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth sauce with a luxurious texture and adds depth of flavor.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent, intense flavor that transforms the sauce and provides a classic aromatic profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that offers a fresh finish and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Cook Tender Garlic Chicken Every Time

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and season them generously with 21 Salute, salt, and pepper. Pat the seasonings into the meat for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers slightly.

Step 3: Sear the First Side

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing a beautiful golden crust to form.

Step 4: Flip and Cook

Gently turn the chicken when it reaches a medium golden color. Thicker breasts might need an extra 1-2 minutes for even cooking. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Remove and Rest

Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a plate using a slotted spatula. Let the chicken rest and retain its juicy goodness.

Step 6: Create Flavor Base

Pour chicken broth into the same skillet. Watch it bubble and lift those delicious browned bits from the pan, creating a rich flavor foundation.

Step 7: Add Buttery Goodness

Drop butter into the bubbling broth. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the butter melts completely and blends smoothly.

Step 8: Garlic Magic

Toss in minced garlic and stir constantly. Cook for 1 minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aromatic fragrance.

Step 9: Final Coating

Turn off the heat and return the rested chicken to the skillet. Gently flip each piece to coat thoroughly with the luscious garlic butter sauce.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the sauce is gloriously glossy.

Tips for Making the Juiciest Garlic Chicken

• Master the Sear: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on your chicken.
• Temperature Control: Keep medium-high heat consistent to prevent burning while ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Don't Disturb the Chicken: Resist the urge to move the chicken around; let it develop a beautiful caramelized surface by cooking undisturbed.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow chicken to rest after cooking to lock in juices and prevent dryness, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Garlic Timing Matters: Add minced garlic at the right moment to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich and fragrant sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Chicken Like a Pro

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover garlic chicken to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Reheating Method: Warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help restore moisture. Stir occasionally and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which typically takes 4-5 minutes.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual portions of chicken in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Perfect Pairings for Garlic Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the garlic butter's richness, cutting through the chicken's richness with their bright, zesty notes and refreshing acidity.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasonal roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini create a colorful side that matches the chicken's golden hue and adds nutritional balance to the meal.
• Recommend Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Artisan sourdough or French baguette slices become ideal for soaking up the luscious garlic butter sauce, transforming every bite into a flavor-packed experience that maximizes the dish's delectable essence.
• Suggest Light Herbal Salad: A simple mixed green salad with fresh herbs like basil and chives provides a crisp, clean contrast to the rich chicken, helping cleanse the palate between each succulent bite.

Exciting Variations of Garlic Chicken to Explore

• Spicy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken: Dice fresh jalapeños and sauté them alongside minced garlic for an extra kick of heat. Sprinkle red pepper flakes during seasoning to amplify the spiciness.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace 21 Salute seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese on top after cooking for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Lemon Garlic Zest Chicken: Incorporate fresh lemon zest into the butter sauce and squeeze lemon juice over the chicken before serving. Garnish with thin lemon slices and chopped fresh dill for brightness.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Stir grated parmesan cheese into the butter sauce during the final minute of cooking. Add a splash of heavy cream to create a rich, velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.

Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Garlic Chicken delivers Mediterranean comfort with bold herb-infused flavors. Families will savor this simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs for a delightful dining experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts)

Fats and Oils:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, or more if you want extra sauce

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
• 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness, then liberally season with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
2. Heat of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with warmth.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have sufficient space for proper searing.
4. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing a beautiful golden-brown crust to develop on the first side.
5. Gently flip the chicken breasts using tongs, revealing a rich caramelized exterior, and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.
6. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
7. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a clean plate, letting it rest and retain its juices while preparing the sauce.
8. Deglaze the skillet with of chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan’s surface.
9. Reduce heat to medium-low and add of unsalted butter, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
10. Mince 4 to 5 fresh garlic cloves and introduce them into the butter sauce, stirring continuously for approximately 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant.
11. Return the rested chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious garlic butter sauce, ensuring even coverage.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and additional flavor dimension.
13. Serve immediately, spooning extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken to enhance its succulence and presentation.

Notes

• Transforming ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish happens with just a few simple techniques and high-quality ingredients.
• Golden searing creates irresistible flavor crusts while preserving succulent interior meat textures during cooking.
• Deglazing with chicken broth captures delicious pan drippings, developing deeper sauce complexity and maximum taste potential.
• Butter introduces luxurious richness, melting seamlessly into a silky sauce that coats each chicken piece with incredible depth.
• Fresh parsley provides bright finishing touches, adding color and subtle herbaceous notes that elevate the entire culinary experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 462 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 789 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 114 mg