Introduction to Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garlic chicken is the ultimate weeknight winner, effortlessly combining convenience and flavor. Imagine coming home after a bustling day, and within just over an hour, you’re treated to a delicious, aromatic dish that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting notes of garlic and herbs. This 40 Clove Garlic Chicken recipe delivers just that—all in one pan! With minimal prep and clean-up, it’s a lifesaver for busy professionals who want to whip up something impressive yet uncomplicated.
But why is this garlic chicken recipe so special? First off, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, making it a great option for last-minute dinners. Plus, the health benefits of garlic are well documented; a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health outlines its potential role in supporting heart health and boosting the immune system. Not to mention, the rich, savory taste of perfectly cooked chicken paired with roasted garlic cloves is nothing short of divine.
So whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this garlic chicken recipe is sure to impress and satisfy!
Ingredients for Garlic Chicken
Crafting the perfect garlic chicken recipe is all about gathering the right ingredients. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also promises an explosion of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided. This will give your chicken a rich, buttery flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon for searing the chicken to perfection.
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for 6 to 8 thighs, ensuring they're juicy and tender.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning. These basics, often taken for granted, elevate the taste.
- Garlic: 3 heads (yes, you read that right!). Don’t shy away from this star ingredient.
- Fresh Thyme: 6 sprigs, or ½ teaspoon if you prefer dried. Thyme adds a lovely herbal note.
- Bay Leaf: 1, for that hint of aromatic flavor.
- Chicken Stock: 2 cups, this will create a luscious sauce.
- Cornstarch: 3½ teaspoons, to help thicken that delicious sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: For serving—perfect for spreading the beautifully roasted garlic.
Trust me, these ingredients will transform your meal into a delightful experience! Check out this page for further instructions and tips.
Preparing Garlic Chicken
Cooking a delicious garlic chicken recipe can be a delightful experience. It’s not just about following the steps; it’s about enjoying the process and the beautiful smells wafting through your kitchen. Let’s dive into preparing this sumptuous meal, step by step.
Boil the garlic
Start off by giving your garlic a little tender treatment. Fill a saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. While the water heats up, separate the cloves from 3 heads of garlic — no need to peel them! Once the water is bubbling, toss in the garlic cloves and let them cook for just 1 minute. This quick boil helps mellow their sharpness and brings out a lovely sweet flavor. Then, drain the garlic, and take a moment to peel the cloves; they should come off easily and smell divine.
Prepping the chicken
Next up is the star of our dish: the chicken! For this garlic chicken recipe, I recommend using 6 to 8 chicken thighs as they provide more flavor and moisture than chicken breasts. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t skip this step; seasoning is key! Now, grab a large, deep skillet (a cast-iron one works wonders) and heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat until they shimmer.
Searing the chicken
Now it’s time for the much-loved searing step! Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Flip them over and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. It’s this step that will create a gorgeous foundation for your dish's flavors.
Cooking with garlic and herbs
Once the chicken is seared to perfection, it’s time to elevate the flavors. Add the boiled garlic cloves around the chicken, followed by 6 sprigs of fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender, soaking up the aromatic garlic and herb flavors.
Making the sauce
When the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear, carefully transfer the chicken and garlic to a platter (cover with foil to keep warm). Turn up the skillet heat to medium-high, then add ½ cup of chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful bits. Cook until the liquid has reduced by half, which should take about 5 minutes. For a thicker sauce, whisk 3 ½ teaspoons of cornstarch into the chicken stock beforehand and incorporate it into the skillet. This will give your dish that glossy finish! Once the sauce is thickened, stir in the remaining butter for a velvety touch.
Serve your garlic chicken with a crusty bread baguette for spreading those perfectly roasted garlic cloves — trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Variations on Garlic Chicken
Garlic Chicken with Herbs
Elevate your garlic chicken recipe by incorporating a variety of fresh herbs. Consider adding rosemary or parsley for a burst of flavor. Simply sprinkle the herbs over the chicken before cooking to enhance aroma and taste. Fresh thyme blends beautifully with garlic, and a sprinkle of basil just before serving can add a fresh touch to your dish. It’s an excellent way to customize the meal based on your herb garden or local farmer's market haul.
One-Pan Garlic Chicken Variations
Looking for a quick meal? Consider one-pan variations! Swap out the chicken thighs for turkey bacon or chicken ham for a leaner option. Add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the pan for a colorful, nutrient-packed side. For additional gosh, drizzle some lemon juice over your garlic chicken for a zesty twist. With just one pan, clean-up is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Check out more tips on meal-prepping at Meal Prep on Fleek to keep your kitchen stress-free!
Cooking Tips for Garlic Chicken
Creating a delightful garlic chicken recipe that's sure to impress is easier than you think! Here are some handy tips to elevate your dish:
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Choose the Right Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful results. Their higher fat content ensures tenderness.
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Prep Your Garlic: Boiling the garlic first softens the cloves, making them sweeter and easier to spread. Don’t skip this step!
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Get the Sear Just Right: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding chicken. A good sear locks in flavor and gives it a beautiful color.
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Sauce Secrets: Use homemade chicken stock if possible, as it drastically enhances the sauce. Need a quick option? Look for broth with low sodium.
With these tips in hand, your garlic chicken will shine at any dinner table! For more cooking inspiration, check out Tastes Better From Scratch.
Serving suggestions for Garlic Chicken
When it comes to elevating your garlic chicken recipe, presentation is key! Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will impress your guests and round out your meal:
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Pair with French Green Beans: These tender, flavorful beans add a lovely crunch to your plate and complement the rich, garlicky sauce beautifully.
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Crusty Baguette: Serve a toasted baguette alongside. It's perfect for spreading those sweet roasted garlic cloves and soaking up the delicious sauce!
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Add a Salad: A light, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta.
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Serve over Rice or Quinoa: If you're looking for something hearty, plate your garlic chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa for an added layer of flavor.
Enjoy your culinary creation!
Time Breakdown for Garlic Chicken
Preparation time
Set aside 10 minutes to prep your ingredients. Pat the chicken dry, season it generously with salt and pepper, and get your garlic ready. Trust me, this brief prep will yield savory rewards!
Cooking time
The cooking process will take about 1 hour. This includes browning the chicken, softening the garlic, and simmering everything together until deliciously tender.
Total time
In just 1 hour and 10 minutes, you’ll have a delightful garlic chicken recipe that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it cooks!
Nutritional Facts for Garlic Chicken
When you're whipping up this savory garlic chicken recipe, it's nice to know what you're putting on the table. Here are some quick nutritional insights to guide your meal-planning:
Calories
Each serving contains approximately 585 calories, making it a hearty yet balanced option for dinner.
Protein
Packed with around 31 grams of protein, this dish will keep you satiated and energized throughout your evening.
Sodium
With 322 milligrams of sodium, it's a flavorful choice that remains within a reasonable range for most dietary preferences.
For more detailed nutritional information and tips on making your meals healthier, check out resources like the USDA National Nutrient Database or Healthline. Enjoy your cooking!
FAQs about Garlic Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While the garlic chicken recipe calls for chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, you can substitute them with chicken breasts. Just remember that breasts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they don’t dry out.
What can I do with leftover garlic chicken?
Leftover garlic chicken is a delicious meal waiting to be repurposed! You can shred it for a savory salad, use it in wraps, or add it to pasta for a comforting dish. Make a tasty garlic chicken sandwich paired with fresh veggies, or toss it into a stir-fry with your favorite ingredients.
How do I store garlic chicken?
To store your garlic chicken, let it cool down to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Enjoy your cooking!
Conclusion on Garlic Chicken Recipe
The garlic chicken recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and elegance, ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Your guests will be impressed with this one-pan dish that bursts with the rich taste of garlic. Enjoy with crusty bread to savor every bite!
Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Large deep skillet
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter divided
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 6 or 8 pieces chicken thighs
- salt and pepper
- 3 heads garlic
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ tsp, dried
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- ½ cup white wine
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 3 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 baguette Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Separate garlic cloves (you don’t need to peel them) and add to the water. Cook for 1 minute, then drain and peel garlic.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season well with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a very large deep (preferably cast iron) pan or skillet over medium heat. Add 2 Tablespoons butter and oil until hot.
- Add chicken, skin side down and cook for 5 minutes, until the skin is golden brown. Flip and cook on the other side for 3 minutes.
- Add garlic cloves around the chicken and add thyme and bay leaf.
- Cover the skillet and cook over med-low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Transfer the chicken and garlic to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Discard the bay leaf.
- Turn the skillet heat to medium-high and add the wine. Cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Whisk the cornstarch into the chicken stock and add to the pan. Cook until the sauce has slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, or herbs, as needed. Remove from heat and stir in remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter. Place the chicken on a serving platter and pour sauce over the chicken.
- Serve with French green beans and a toasted baguette for spreading the cooked garlic cloves on.
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