Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe: 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

Here's the quick answer: This easy garlic chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes with only 7 basic ingredients. You'll get perfectly tender chicken with a rich garlic flavor that's simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests. The secret is in the proper garlic preparation and precise cooking temperature - 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for safe, juicy results every time.

Why This Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe Actually Works

Most "easy" garlic chicken recipes fail because they either burn the garlic, dry out the chicken, or lack depth of flavor. As a chef who's taught thousands of home cooks, I've refined this recipe to solve those problems while keeping it genuinely simple. The key is understanding garlic chemistry - when heated properly, garlic transforms from sharp to sweet and nutty. This recipe uses a two-stage garlic technique that prevents bitterness while maximizing flavor.

Common Garlic Mistake	Our Solution	Result
Burning garlic	Add garlic halfway through cooking	Sweet, nutty flavor without bitterness
Dry chicken	Precise 165°F internal temperature	Perfectly juicy results every time
Weak flavor	Garlic-infused oil base	Deep, restaurant-quality garlic taste

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have. No specialty ingredients required - that's what makes it truly easy garlic chicken recipe material. Here's exactly what you'll need for four servings:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (more forgiving than breasts)
• 6 large garlic cloves, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment You'll Actually Need

Unlike complicated recipes that require specialty tools, this easy garlic chicken recipe works with basic kitchen equipment:

• One 12-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
• Meat thermometer (critical for perfect results)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small bowl for mixing

Step-by-Step: Making Perfect Garlic Chicken in 20 Minutes

Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success. Total hands-on time: 10 minutes.

1. Prep your chicken: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Proper drying is essential for browning - wet chicken steams instead of sears.
2. Initial sear: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 2 minutes). Add chicken in single layer, smooth side down. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook 2 more minutes. Remove chicken to plate.
3. The garlic secret: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to same skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned - this is where most recipes fail by burning the garlic.
4. Finish cooking: Return chicken to skillet, smooth side up. Transfer to 375°F (190°C) preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This two-stage cooking method ensures perfect texture.
5. Rest and serve: Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends 165°F as the safe minimum internal temperature for poultry.

Pro Tips for Guaranteed Success

These professional techniques make the recipe genuinely easy by preventing common mistakes:

• Garlic timing matters: Adding garlic after the initial chicken sear prevents burning while maximizing flavor development. Raw garlic contains allicin which breaks down at 140°F (60°C) into delicious compounds - but burns at 392°F (200°C).
• Thermometer is non-negotiable: Visual cues fail with chicken. A $10 instant-read thermometer reduces food waste by preventing overcooking while ensuring safety.
• Thighs over breasts: For truly easy garlic chicken, thighs are more forgiving. Their higher fat content (10.4g vs 3.6g per 100g according to USDA FoodData Central) prevents drying during cooking.

Serving Suggestions That Actually Work

This easy garlic chicken recipe pairs perfectly with:

• Rice or quinoa: Soaks up the delicious garlic pan juices
• Steamed broccoli: The bitterness balances the rich garlic flavor
• Simple salad: With lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness

For extra flavor, spoon the garlic-infused oil from the pan over everything. This technique, called "arrosage" in French cooking, distributes the garlic flavor throughout your meal.

Storage and Reheating Without Ruining It

Leftovers? This easy garlic chicken recipe stores well:

• Refrigerate: In airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat: In skillet over medium-low heat with 1 tsp water to create steam
• Avoid microwave: It makes chicken rubbery and garlic bitter

Freezing isn't recommended as it affects texture, but if necessary, freeze for up to 1 month and thaw in refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about this easy garlic chicken recipe:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this easy garlic chicken recipe?

Yes, but with adjustments. Breasts cook faster and dry out more easily. Reduce oven time to 8-10 minutes and check temperature at 155°F (68°C) - carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F. Thighs are recommended for this easy garlic chicken recipe as their higher fat content prevents drying during cooking.

Why does my garlic always burn when making garlic chicken?

Garlic burns at 392°F (200°C) but develops best flavor between 140-356°F (60-180°C). This easy garlic chicken recipe solves this by adding garlic after the initial chicken sear when the pan has cooled slightly. Always cook garlic over medium heat, never high, and stir constantly.

How can I make this garlic chicken recipe even faster?

For the fastest version of this easy garlic chicken recipe: 1) Use pre-minced garlic (though fresh is better), 2) Skip the oven step and cook entirely on stovetop (flip once at 6 minutes), 3) Use thinner chicken cutlets. Total time: 15 minutes. Note: Oven finishing ensures more even cooking.

Can I make this garlic chicken recipe without an oven?

Absolutely. After searing both sides of the chicken, reduce heat to medium, add garlic, then cover skillet and cook 10-12 minutes, checking temperature at 10 minutes. This stovetop-only method works well for this easy garlic chicken recipe and keeps your kitchen cooler.