Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Garlic Chicken is packed with bold garlic flavor and a perfect balance of seasonings. The sauce, made from garlic, butter, and herbs, coats the chicken beautifully and infuses it with a rich taste that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you serve it with a side of rice, vegetables, or pasta, it’s an incredibly versatile dish. Plus, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a go-to dinner option for busy days. The garlic sauce is so good that you’ll want to dip everything in it!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a burst of freshness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the garlic sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown (be careful not to burn it). Add the chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Combine the chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb some of the flavor.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the chicken for extra brightness. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: Sauté vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the same skillet before adding the garlic sauce for a one-pan meal.
Spicy garlic chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
Creamy garlic chicken: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce for a rich, creamy version of this dish.
Garlic Parmesan chicken: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken just before serving for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Easy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They may take a bit longer to cook, but they’ll stay juicy and flavorful.

2. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?

Yes, bone-in chicken will work too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as it will take longer for the chicken to cook through.

3. Can I make this dish without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or another oil of your choice for a lighter version of this recipe.

4. Can I add more garlic to the sauce?

Absolutely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more minced garlic to the sauce to ramp up the flavor.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Easy Garlic Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor and simple to make. With juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich garlic sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your need for convenience. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving it to guests, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

Easy Garlic Chicken