The Recipe Buffet

How to Make Delicious Garlic Chicken for Four People

Garlic chicken is a classic dish that combines tender chicken with the rich, aromatic flavor of garlic. It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a delightful garlic chicken recipe that serves four people, complete with a shopping list and step-by-step instructions.

Shopping List

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Ingredients

• Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
• Garlic:
  • 8 cloves of garlic, minced
• Olive Oil:
  • 4 tablespoons
• Butter:
  • 2 tablespoons
• Lemon:
  • 1 lemon (for juice and zest)
• Fresh Parsley:
  • ¼ cup, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and Pepper:
  • To taste
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
  • ½ teaspoon (for a bit of heat)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Clean the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

1. Add More Fat: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining tablespoon of butter.
2. Sauté Garlic: Once melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—be careful as garlic can burn easily.
3. Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and add its zest for extra flavor. Stir well to combine.
4. Optional Spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the garlic sauce.
2. Coat Chicken: Spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional minute or two to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate It Up: Transfer the garlic chicken to serving plates.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each serving for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Enjoy!: Serve your garlic chicken hot with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This garlic chicken recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor that will impress your family or guests. The combination of garlic and lemon creates a delightful sauce that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various sides.Cooking can be an enjoyable experience, so don’t hesitate to experiment with additional herbs or spices according to your taste preferences! Enjoy your meal!