Description
This Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a flavorful garlic sauce enhanced with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional for extra richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Make the garlic sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. If using, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Add liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful browned bits. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and the optional unsalted butter, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic sauce over them. Let the chicken soak up the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, with extra sauce drizzled on top for maximum flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, add the optional unsalted butter at the end of the sauce preparation.
- To check doneness, ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Crushed red pepper flakes can be omitted for a milder flavor or adjusted according to preference.
- Serve this dish alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
