Garlic chicken is a classic dish that’s beloved for its simplicity and delicious flavor. With tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory garlic-infused sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make garlic chicken from scratch, with just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional, for checking chicken doneness)
Recipe Directions:
- Prepare Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Sauté Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Brown Chicken:
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Make Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chicken broth, butter, lemon juice, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer:
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the garlic chicken with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot, with additional sauce spooned over the top.
Tips for Success:
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but you can also use garlic paste or minced garlic from a jar if you’re short on time.
- Chicken Doneness: To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the chicken breast should register 165°F (75°C).
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the simmering process.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dish: Serve garlic chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Pasta: Spoon the garlic sauce over cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, for a delicious pasta dinner.
- Rice: Serve with cooked rice or quinoa for a simple and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Garlic chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners at home. With its tender chicken and aromatic garlic sauce, this recipe is sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
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