Welcome to your new go-to weeknight savior: Garlic Chicken! This dish stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking, especially when your days are packed with activities and responsibilities. Whether it’s work, school, or family duties, we all have those moments when cooking feels like just another daunting task on an endless to-do list.
This Garlic Chicken recipe is designed for such times, offering a straightforward and mouthwatering solution that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. With a few basic ingredients and a couple of simple steps, you can have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the table without keeping you in the kitchen all night.
Prepare to transform ordinary chicken into a delectable feast with the rich flavors of garlic, paprika, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. This dish is not just easy to make but also wonderfully versatile, pairing perfectly with anything from a light salad to your favorite side of grains or vegetables. Let’s dive into making this delightful, fuss-free meal that promises to lighten your load and satisfy your taste buds!
Chef’s Notes – Garlic Chicken
- Flavor Tip – Enhance the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
- Serving Suggestion – Pair the garlic chicken with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Spice Variation – Experiment with adding spices like cumin or coriander to the seasoning mix for a unique flavor profile.
- Weeknight Dinner – Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and delicious meal on the table.
- Family Meal – Great for feeding a family or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Additional Notes
- This Garlic Chicken, aka Simple Weeknight Garlic Chicken recipe is a classic American dish that offers a flavorful twist on traditional baked chicken.
- The dish features a blend of spices like paprika, black pepper, and garlic that infuse the chicken with rich flavors, creating a juicy and tender texture.
- To elevate this dish, you can add a variety of herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- Serve this garlic chicken with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- Leftovers of this dish can be used in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a quick and tasty meal option.
Garlic Chicken (The Easiest Chicken)
4
servings10
minutes38
minutes450
kcal48
minutesDive into the simplicity of our Quick and Easy Garlic Chicken, perfect for those bustling weeknights! This recipe promises a deliciously seasoned chicken that cooks to perfection with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking to impress with minimal fuss, this dish is your go-to for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Proteins
8 chicken thighs
5 drumsticks
- Seasonings
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
- Sweetener
2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Aromatics
3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- Alternative Ingredients
Olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option.
Honey can replace brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
Smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper flavor.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, and brown sugar.
- Toss the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the spice mixture until well-coated. Drizzle with vegetable oil and add chopped garlic; mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After baking, set the oven to broil and broil the chicken for an additional 3 minutes to crisp the skin.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- baking sheet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ – Garlic Chicken
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
This recipe is versatile and works well with both chicken thighs and drumsticks, as mentioned. You can also use chicken breasts; however, keep an eye on the cooking time as breasts can dry out faster than darker cuts.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder if fresh is not available. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute for 3 fresh cloves, but adjust to taste.
Is there a way to make this dish even healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can use skinless chicken pieces to reduce the fat content. Additionally, consider using a lower amount of vegetable oil or substituting it with a healthier oil option like olive oil.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Garlic Chicken?
Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a lighter meal, consider a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For something more filling, serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa.
How can I ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly?
The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.
What modifications can I make to this recipe for a different flavor?
You can experiment with different spices and herbs to vary the flavor. Adding ingredients like rosemary, thyme, or even a splash of lemon juice can provide a nice twist to the original recipe.
