If you’re looking for a delicious, easy dinner recipe that fits into your busy week, garlic chicken is a perfect choice. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken cubes with the rich flavor of garlic and fresh parsley, cooked quickly in a skillet and finished with a smooth, savory gravy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this recipe promises to be a hit and will soon become a staple in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, so you don’t have to spend all evening in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Recipe
You’ll appreciate how easy this garlic chicken recipe is from start to finish. It requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand, and it comes together fast. The process is straightforward—season, sauté, add garlic and parsley, and finish with a homemade gravy that elevates the dish without any fuss.
This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can prepare it gluten-free by swapping flour for cornstarch and adjusting the gravy thickener. It’s also a great way to use chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Moreover, the balance of flavors is spot-on: the punchy garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon on the side brighten the dish, while the buttery gravy adds a comforting finish. The result is a meal that feels both light and indulgent at the same time.
Ingredients for Garlic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory garlic chicken:
- 21 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 3 large breasts), cut into 1- to 1½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons good-quality 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
How to Make Garlic Chicken
Start by drying your chicken pieces with paper towels to help them crisp up nicely. Toss them gently in a bowl with the flour, salt, and pepper. Resist the urge to add extra flour—the recipe calls for just enough to create a light coating.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until it’s very hot but not smoking. Add the chicken cubes in a single layer, giving them plenty of space to sear. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing a golden crust to develop on the bottom.
Turn the chicken pieces over and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until they’re cooked through and beautifully browned.
While the chicken cooks, mix the chopped garlic and parsley in a small bowl. When the chicken is nearly done, reduce the heat slightly and add the butter and parsley-garlic mixture to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about a minute, stirring and shaking the pan to coat each piece of chicken in the fragrant butter.
Using a spoon, transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving behind the browned bits and extra garlic and parsley in the pan—they’re packed with flavor and will help make the gravy.
For the gravy, if there’s too much oil in the pan, pour off all but about one tablespoon. Add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to make a roux—the base of your gravy.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to blend well and break up any lumps. Keep stirring and cooking over medium-high heat until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Pour this rich gravy over your chicken when serving, or keep it on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken
Garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up its tasty gravy. A classic choice is steamed white or brown rice, which balances the flavors while adding substance to your meal.
If you want a lighter option, try serving garlic chicken alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots. The bright, fresh flavors of the lemon wedges squeezed over the chicken add a zesty touch that complements the richness of the dish.
You can also serve this garlic chicken over creamy mashed potatoes, letting the gravy mingle with the potatoes for a comforting experience.
For a casual meal, pile the chicken and gravy over warm buttered noodles or serve with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken
To get the crispiest chicken, be sure not to overcrowd your skillet. Cooking the chicken in one layer allows it to brown evenly and develop that delicious crust.
Don’t skip drying the chicken before coating it in flour. Excess moisture can prevent the crust from forming properly.
When adding the garlic and parsley butter, keep the heat moderate. Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked.
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and parsley to your taste. If you love garlic, you can add a little extra for a more intense flavor.
If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, replace the flour with cornstarch for tossing the chicken, and use cornstarch or xanthan gum to thicken the gravy instead of flour.
When reheating leftovers, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, gently warm the chicken and gravy on the stove over medium-low heat to maintain flavor and texture.
How to Store Garlic Chicken
If you have leftovers, place the chicken and gravy in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken submerged in gravy inside a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chicken in the fridge or at room temperature on a plate. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Avoid reheating in the microwave for best taste, but if you must, use short intervals and stir often.
Variations on Garlic Chicken
You can easily customize this garlic chicken recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Try adding a splash of white cooking wine substitute like chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon for extra tang in the gravy.
For a creamier twist, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or plain yogurt into the gravy before serving.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic and parsley.
Add mushrooms or sliced bell peppers to the pan along with the chicken for a more vegetable-packed meal.
For a herb-forward flavor, experiment with different fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil alongside or instead of parsley.
FAQs About Garlic Chicken
What is the best cut of chicken to use for this recipe?
You want to use boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes. This cut cooks quickly and absorbs the garlic and butter flavors well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour for coating the chicken and thickening the gravy with cornstarch or xanthan gum.
How long does garlic chicken take to cook?
The entire recipe takes about 25 to 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I freeze garlic chicken?
Absolutely. Freeze the cooked chicken submerged in gravy in a freezer bag for best results. Thaw it carefully before reheating.
What should I serve with garlic chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed vegetables are all great options. Don’t forget the lemon wedges for a fresh finish.
How do I reheat leftovers without losing flavor?
Avoid microwaving if possible. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat to keep the chicken tender and flavorful.
Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 21 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast halves about 3 large breasts, cut into 1- to 1½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium lemon quartered (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for gravy
- 1 heaping tablespoon flour for gravy
- 1 cup chicken broth for gravy
Instructions
- Dry the chicken pieces with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with flour, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add chicken cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden.
- Turn chicken pieces and cook for another 3-5 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- Mix garlic and parsley in a bowl. Reduce heat and add butter and garlic-parsley mixture to skillet, sauté for 1 minute.
- Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving drippings in the pan.
- For the gravy, pour off excess oil, leaving 1 tablespoon. Add butter and melt over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux.
- Whisk in chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Serve gravy over chicken or on the side.
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