Sizzling Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Nestled in the heart of culinary comfort, this garlic chicken recipe promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Aromatic garlic weaves its magic through tender meat, creating a dish that speaks directly to your senses.

Kitchens come alive with the sizzling promise of something extraordinary brewing.

The blend of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience.

Succulent pieces of chicken bathe in a robust marinade that whispers tales of deliciousness.

Each bite tells a story of careful seasoning and passionate cooking.

You’ll find yourself craving this remarkable combination that turns a basic protein into a feast for the soul.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a game-changer for dinner nights.

Why Garlic Chicken Is a Simple, Bold Dinner

• This garlic chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Novice home cooks can confidently create a delicious dish that looks and tastes like it was prepared by a professional chef, with simple step-by-step instructions.
• The creamy garlic sauce and perfectly seared chicken provide a luxurious yet comforting dining experience that satisfies both sophisticated and traditional taste preferences.
• From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy individuals craving a delectable, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for a Flavor-Forward Chicken Dish

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, tender and juicy protein that absorbs the flavorful garlic sauce. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless breasts for even cooking.

• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that adds warmth and depth to the chicken. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates a rich, golden sear and provides the foundation for the sauce. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense flavor to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves are more potent than pre-minced options.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan, capturing all the delicious browned bits. Low-sodium broth works best for controlling salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious, velvety texture and rich taste. Full-fat cream creates the most indulgent sauce.

• Thyme: Provides an earthy, subtle herb flavor that complements the garlic. Fresh thyme leaves have more intense flavor than dried.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note. Adds brightness to the rich dish.

How to Sauté Garlic Chicken That Packs a Punch

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Magic

• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Coat both sides of the chicken evenly with the seasoning mix.

Step 2: Create Golden Brown Perfection

• Olive oil
• Butter

Bring the skillet to a medium-high temperature. Carefully place the chicken in the pan and let it sear. Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown color develops and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Garlic Base

Lower the skillet’s heat to medium. Add more butter to the pan. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan. Watch carefully to prevent burning- the aroma should be rich and inviting. Gently pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Transform Into Creamy Sensation

Introduce heavy cream and fresh thyme to the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop a luxurious thickness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Final Flavor Fusion

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Bathe the chicken in the luscious sauce, letting it warm through completely. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips for Keeping Chicken Juicy and Tasty

• Choose Quality Chicken: Select fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts with no discoloration or unusual odors for the best flavor and texture.
• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior when cooking.
• Control Garlic Carefully: Watch garlic closely while sautéing, as it can burn quickly and turn bitter- remove from heat immediately if it starts to brown too much.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce gently to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally, creating a rich and creamy coating for the chicken without becoming too watery.
• Adjust Seasoning Smartly: Taste the sauce before final serving and add salt and pepper incrementally to balance flavors without overwhelming the delicate garlic and cream notes.

Storing Garlic Chicken Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover garlic chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 34 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen garlic chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm chicken over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and cook until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between cycles to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Garlic Chicken

• Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy garlic sauce, balancing the richness with its subtle buttery notes and crisp acidity.
• Create a perfect side dish that absorbs the garlic sauce while adding a complementary herb flavor that enhances the chicken's savory profile.
• Toss a light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken.
• Use warm sourdough slices to soak up the delicious garlic cream sauce, adding texture and helping to make the meal more satisfying and complete.

Ideas for Adding a Twist to Garlic Chicken

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace chicken broth with bone broth and use ghee instead of butter to increase fat content. Skip heavy cream or substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free option.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk. Add extra herbs like rosemary or oregano for enhanced flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use arrowroot powder instead of traditional thickeners. Double-check chicken broth for gluten-free certification.
• Mediterranean Style: Add chopped kalamata olives and sundried tomatoes to the sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving. Use extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean taste.

Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic chicken brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with irresistible aromas. Crispy herb-infused chicken promises a simple yet elegant dinner that delights senses and satisfies hunger in one delectable swoop.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot chicken with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, then generously season both surfaces with paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking environment.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per surface. Confirm doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping warm and preserving its juiciness.
5. Reduce skillet temperature to medium and introduce remaining butter, creating a flavorful base.
6. Add minced garlic, stirring continuously to prevent burning, and cook until aromatic and slightly translucent.
7. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spatula to scrape accumulated browned bits from skillet bottom, enhancing sauce complexity.
8. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce, concentrating flavors and creating a more intense sauce consistency.
9. Incorporate heavy cream and fresh thyme, gently stirring to blend ingredients smoothly.
10. Let sauce simmer softly, gradually thickening while developing deeper flavor profiles.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
12. Return chicken to skillet, coating generously with prepared sauce and warming through for additional 2 minutes.
13. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added visual appeal and herbaceous note.
14. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and chicken retains optimal temperature.

Notes

• Pat chicken thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden-brown exterior when searing.
• Use high-quality paprika for deeper flavor complexity and richer color on the chicken’s surface.
• Prevent garlic from burning by keeping heat at medium and stirring constantly during sauce preparation.
• Invest in an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee precise chicken doneness and food safety.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with turkey or pork cutlets without changing core cooking technique.
• Create a lighter version by replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for reduced calorie content.
• Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard during reduction stage.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating to maintain sauce’s creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 150mg