Garlic Chicken

Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that promises a satisfying meal for busy weeknights. With tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce, this recipe delivers a burst of deliciousness with every bite. Serve it alongside a wedge of lemon for an added zesty twist.

Ingredients:

• Chicken:
  • 21 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 3 large breasts), cut into 1- to 1-1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons good olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium lemon, quartered (optional, serve on the side)
• Gravy:
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 heaping tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Before You Begin

• Gluten-Free Option: Make this recipe gluten-free by tossing the raw chicken with a tablespoon of cornstarch. For the gravy, melt the butter, then add the broth, and thicken with either a teaspoon of cornstarch or 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum.

Directions:

Chicken

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat dry the chicken cubes with paper towels and toss them with flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add chicken in one layer and cook for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Flavor: In a small bowl, combine chopped garlic and parsley. Add butter and parsley mixture to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute longer, shaking the skillet occasionally to coat the chicken. Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving browned bits, parsley, and garlic in the pan.

Gravy

1. Prepare Gravy: If there’s excess oil in the pan, leave about a tablespoon. Melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring continuously for about a minute.
2. Add Broth: Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously until all broth is added. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.
3. Serve: Pour gravy over the cooked chicken and serve immediately, optionally with lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 15 min | Cooking Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 5

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish: Sprinkle additional chopped parsley over the plated garlic chicken for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
• Side Dish: Serve garlic chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the chicken for a citrusy tang.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked garlic chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Additional Tips

• Meal Prep: Double the recipe and store extra portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Customization: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the gravy, such as thyme or rosemary, to vary the flavor profile.
• Presentation: Arrange the chicken neatly on a platter and drizzle extra gravy over the top for an appealing presentation.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your garlic chicken remains deliciously tender and flavorful, whether you’re serving it fresh or reheating it for later enjoyment.

Variations:

1. Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add ½ cup of heavy cream to the gravy mixture after adding the chicken broth. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, then serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.
2. Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
3. Lemon Garlic Chicken: Increase the amount of lemon zest and juice in the gravy for a brighter citrus flavor. Serve with steamed asparagus or green beans.
4. Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet after cooking the chicken. Sauté until mushrooms are tender before adding the garlic and parsley mixture.
5. Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a kick of heat. Serve with a side of creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
6. Herb-Roasted Garlic Chicken: Instead of pan-searing, coat chicken pieces in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and your favorite herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage). Roast in the oven at 400°F until chicken is cooked through.
7. Honey Garlic Chicken: Whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey with the chicken broth before adding it to the skillet. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and serve with rice or quinoa.
8. Balsamic Garlic Chicken: Substitute half of the chicken broth with balsamic vinegar in the gravy mixture. Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts or a spinach salad.
9. Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry: Cut chicken into thin strips and stir-fry with bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli florets. Toss with a soy sauce, garlic, and ginger sauce and serve over steamed rice.
10. Garlic Chicken Wraps: Slice cooked garlic chicken and wrap in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch dressing or tzatziki sauce.

These variations offer exciting ways to transform the classic garlic chicken dish into new and delicious meals, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer creamy textures, bold flavors, or light and refreshing options, there’s a variation here to suit every occasion and palate.

FAQs :

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure thorough cooking.
2. How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender?
   • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure a golden crust forms. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking to allow each piece to cook evenly.
3. What can I use instead of fresh parsley?
   • If fresh parsley is unavailable, you can use dried parsley. Alternatively, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and gravy ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat gently on the stove and combine just before serving for best results.
5. How do I adjust the garlic flavor to my preference?
   • Adjust the amount of chopped garlic according to your taste. For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic used in the recipe.
6. Is this recipe spicy?
   • No, this recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy variation.
7. Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
   • Yes, you can use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to control the salt content of the dish.
8. What should I serve with garlic chicken?
   • Garlic chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad.
9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be opaque and no longer pink in the center.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

These FAQs address common inquiries about preparing and customizing garlic chicken, ensuring a successful cooking experience with delicious results.