Garlic Chicken

Garlic Chicken is a delicious and simple dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. The chicken is perfectly seared to create a golden crust, then infused with a rich garlic butter sauce that enhances its juiciness. Paired with a zesty lemon garnish, this dish makes for a satisfying and well-balanced meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 21 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1- to 1½-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium lemon, quartered (optional, for serving)

For the Gravy:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 heaping tablespoon flour
• 1 cup chicken broth

Gluten-Free Option:
To make this recipe gluten-free, coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch instead of flour. For the gravy, thicken the sauce using 1 teaspoon of cornstarch or 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum.

Instructions

Cooking the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then toss it in a bowl with flour, salt, and black pepper, ensuring an even coat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix the chopped garlic and parsley. Add butter to the skillet, followed by the garlic and parsley mixture. Sauté for 1 minute, shaking the skillet to coat the chicken in the buttery mixture. Transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving the browned bits in the pan for the gravy.

Making the Gravy:
If needed, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Melt butter over medium heat, then stir in the flour, cooking for about a minute. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat until the gravy thickens, then serve over the chicken.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Pair Garlic Chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Add a fresh green salad or crusty bread to complement the rich garlic butter sauce.
• For a low-carb option, serve with sautéed spinach, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles.
• Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, zesty finish.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Store the gravy separately in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. For the gravy, reheat gently on the stove, stirring until smooth.

Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Chicken

• Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy kick.
• Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.

2. Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half into the gravy for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a cheesy twist.

3. Herb-Infused Garlic Chicken

• Replace parsley with fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme for a different herbaceous flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean touch.

4. Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a bright citrusy flavor.
• Add lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce for an extra burst of freshness.

5. Honey Garlic Chicken

• Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter mixture for a sweet and savory balance.
• Combine soy sauce and honey for a slight teriyaki-inspired variation.

6. Parmesan-Crusted Garlic Chicken

• Coat the chicken in a mixture of flour and grated Parmesan before cooking for a crispy, cheesy crust.
• Sprinkle additional Parmesan over the chicken just before serving.

7. Keto & Low-Carb Garlic Chicken

• Use almond flour or Parmesan cheese instead of regular flour for coating the chicken.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens for a low-carb meal.

These variations allow you to customize Garlic Chicken to suit different tastes while keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness to the dish. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs take a bit longer to cook.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Cooking over high heat to sear and then reducing the heat while adding the garlic butter mixture helps keep it tender.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in a skillet with a little extra broth or butter to keep it moist.

4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil. The flavor will still be delicious without the dairy.

5. What can I serve with Garlic Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

6. Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
Yes. Sear the chicken on the stovetop, then transfer it to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding the garlic butter mixture in the last few minutes.

7. How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
Simmer the gravy a little longer, or mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in while cooking.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

10. Can I freeze Garlic Chicken?
Yes, store the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Store the gravy separately in a freezer-safe container and reheat both when ready to serve.

Garlic Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers incredible flavor with minimal ingredients. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a rich garlic butter sauce makes this a go-to meal for any occasion. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner. Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

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