Juicy Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Tender chicken breasts dancing with rich garlic infusion create a mouthwatering meal that promises pure comfort.

Packed with robust flavors, this garlic chicken recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

The combination of simple seasonings brings out deep, satisfying notes in every bite.

Fragrant herbs and fresh garlic elevate this dish from basic to brilliant.

Crispy exterior and juicy interior guarantee a delightful dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory goodness that connects you to wholesome, home-cooked pleasure.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making this irresistible chicken that will become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Must-Have Tools for Garlic Chicken Cooking

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and making the creamy garlic sauce.
• Paper towels: Perfect for patting chicken dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and paprika for balanced seasoning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring garlic and scraping browned bits from the skillet.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F/74C.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing and seasoning chicken before cooking.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley for garnish.

Easy Instructions for Cooking Garlic Chicken

• Prepare Chicken Surface

Pat chicken completely dry using clean paper towels. Sprinkle seasoning across both surfaces for maximum flavor absorption.

• Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat skillet with olive oil and butter until pan becomes super hot. Place chicken carefully, cooking each side until gorgeous golden brown develops. Ensure chicken reaches complete doneness by checking internal temperature.

• Create Luxurious Garlic Sauce

Lower cooking temperature. Toss remaining butter into pan. Add minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning. Pour chicken broth and scrape delicious browned bits from skillet bottom. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors.

• Develop Creamy Sauce Texture

Introduce heavy cream and fresh thyme into the pan. Let sauce bubble gently, transforming into silky smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning for perfect balance.

• Finish and Plate

Nestle chicken back into sauce, allowing it to warm through completely. Splash sauce generously over meat. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Tips for Making Garlic Chicken Juicy and Bold

• Thoroughly pat chicken with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior when searing.
• Cook minced garlic gently to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste. Watch carefully and stir frequently.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing it reaches 165F/74C for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Allow sauce to simmer and reduce naturally, which concentrates flavors and creates a rich, velvety texture.
• Replace thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile that complements the garlic sauce beautifully.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream for a lighter, lactose-free version.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their chicken dish.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of traditional sides to keep the meal low-carbohydrate.

How to Plate and Serve Garlic Chicken

• Rustic Dinner Plate Perfection: Serve this golden garlic chicken over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the luxurious sauce.
• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange the chicken on a beautiful platter surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for an impressive presentation.
• Cozy Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce and add a fresh element to the dish.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the garlic chicken with a chilled glass of buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the flavors and create a restaurant-quality dining experience.

Best Storage for Leftover Garlic Chicken

• Let garlic chicken cool completely within 2 hours after cooking. Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep cooked chicken in sealed containers for 35 days. Place in the coldest section of your refrigerator to extend edibility and protect flavor quality.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze up to 3 months. Separate sauce from chicken to prevent texture changes during freezing.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave with damp paper towel covering dish to retain moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

FAQs

• Why is it important to pat the chicken dry before seasoning?

Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing. Moisture can prevent proper browning and create steam instead of a nice sear.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165F/74C at the thickest part. This ensures it’s cooked through without being dry.

• What makes the garlic sauce so flavorful?

The sauce develops deep flavor by using the browned bits (fond) from searing the chicken, which adds richness. The combination of butter, garlic, chicken broth, and cream creates a creamy, aromatic sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.

• Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme for fresh. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried thyme compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients List for Savory Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender canvas for bold flavors that absorbs seasonings beautifully and provides protein-packed main course.

• Paprika: Adds warm, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful reddish-brown color to chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that elevate and balance overall dish profile.
• Fresh Thyme: Introduces earthy, slightly minty herbal notes that complement chicken's richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and light herbal finish.

• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fat base for searing and preventing chicken from sticking.
• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy depth and helps create golden-brown exterior on chicken.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces intense, aromatic flavor that transforms sauce from simple to spectacular.
• Chicken Broth: Builds complex liquid foundation with savory undertones.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture and adds decadent richness.

Succulent Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic chicken delivers bold Mediterranean flavors straight from Italian kitchens. Mediterranean herbs and roasted garlic create a simple yet delicious meal that delights palates with minimal preparation and maximum taste.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously pat chicken dry, then liberally season with paprika, salt, and black pepper across all surfaces for a robust flavor foundation.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal caramelization environment. Introduce chicken, developing a golden-brown exterior for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
3. Sauce Foundation: Remove chicken to a holding plate. Reduce skillet temperature, melt remaining butter, and introduce minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent.
4. Liquid Transformation: Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping browned remnants to build depth. Allow liquid to reduce, concentrating flavors and creating a rich sauce base.
5. Cream Integration: Blend heavy cream and thyme into the reduction, simmering gently to thicken and marry flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Final Assembly: Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with sauce and warming for an additional 2 minutes. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley for visual and aromatic enhancement.
7. Serving: Present immediately, ensuring optimal temperature and sauce consistency for a memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Moisture Removal Technique: Thoroughly blot chicken with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken’s internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without dryness.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Lower heat when adding garlic and stir constantly to avoid bitter, burnt flavor and maintain delicate aromatic essence.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich flavors and achieve desired thickness, allowing natural reduction without aggressive boiling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg