Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

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If you love meals that come together quickly but taste like they took hours, you are going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Chicken Skillet. Tender, juicy chicken breasts get kissed by a golden sear, then bathed in a buttery garlic sauce that’s bursting with herbaceous goodness. Each bite offers that perfect harmony of rich, savory flavors balanced by fresh parsley, making this dish a reliable weeknight winner and a feast-worthy option for friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Chicken Skillet recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that work beautifully together to create a flavorful, comforting dish. Each element, from the olive oil to the fresh parsley, plays a key role in building layers of taste, appealing textures, and inviting colors.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts for even cooking and juicy meat.
• Olive oil: Adds heart-healthy fats and helps in achieving a perfect golden sear.
• Garlic cloves, minced: The star of this dish, delivering that signature rich aroma and a flavorful punch.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth.
• Dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend that brings a classic Mediterranean vibe.
• Unsalted butter: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce that coats each chicken breast beautifully.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the garlicky, buttery sauce with savory notes.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a pop of green and a fresh herbal finish.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with sea salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs on both sides. This simple step ensures that the meat is flavorful from the very first bite, setting the foundation for a rich, delicious dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are cooked through. This searing step locks in juices that keep the chicken tender and moist.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Once the chicken is removed and resting on a plate, turn down the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma. This step infuses the sauce base with rich buttery garlic flavor.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom with a spatula — these bits are flavor gold! Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken, concentrating its savory taste.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning that luscious garlic butter sauce over each piece. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and heat the chicken through for that perfect warm finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note, then serve immediately. This final touch transforms the Garlic Chicken Skillet into a vibrant, irresistible meal.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish that complements the garlic and buttery sauce beautifully. For an extra zing, you can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a tiny hint of heat and brightness.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Chicken Skillet pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a cozy, hearty meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice that soaks up every bit of the garlic butter sauce. Alternatively, a fresh green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables add a crisp, vibrant contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken breasts and serve them over pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs, letting the skillet sauce drizzle on top like a gourmet finishing touch. You can also pile the chicken onto toasted crusty bread for a garlic chicken open-faced sandwich that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Chicken Skillet should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Garlic Chicken Skillet longer, it freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat to preserve moisture and prevent drying out. You can add a splash of chicken broth during reheating to rejuvenate the sauce and keep every bite tasting fresh and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and tend to be even juicier, though you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is the chicken cooked if I use a different type of pan?

Yes, though a heavy-bottom skillet like cast iron or stainless steel works best for even heat and a beautiful sear. Just keep an eye on the cooking time if you switch to a different pan type.

Can I add more garlic for an extra punch?

Definitely! If you are a garlic lover, feel free to increase the minced garlic amount to suit your taste. Just be careful when sautéing so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a bit of seasoning can substitute in a pinch, though chicken broth adds a richer flavor to the sauce.

Is this Garlic Chicken Skillet gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Chicken Skillet is truly one of those recipes you’ll return to time and again because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, this dish never fails to impress. Go ahead, grab your skillet, and bring this comforting garlic chicken to the table — your taste buds will thank you!

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