Easy 30-Minute Garlic Chicken with Parsley: Your New Favorite Weeknight Skillet Recipe
Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this incredibly flavorful and unbelievably **easy garlic chicken**! This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a revelation, destined to become the newest, most beloved addition to your weekly rotation. Why? Because it delivers on all fronts: deliciousness, simplicity, and speed. You can whip up this mouth-watering dish in **less than 30 minutes**, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying, homemade meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Why This Easy Garlic Chicken Will Be Your Family’s Favorite
The quest for a truly great weeknight dinner often feels like an impossible mission: it needs to be fast, simple, and universally loved. When I first stumbled upon a similar recipe for chicken with garlic and parsley on a blog called All That Splatters years ago, I had a hunch it would be a hit, especially with my kids. Little did I know it would become a staple! The first time I served it, my son, with a mouthful of tender chicken, declared, “Oh, that’s good. You can make this again!” – the ultimate seal of approval from a picky eater.
Since then, this particular garlic chicken recipe has graced our table countless times. Its brilliance lies in its simplicity and speed; it genuinely comes together in **less than 30 minutes**. What makes it even more appealing is its incredible versatility. While the original calls for parsley, and parsley works wonderfully due to its mild, fresh flavor that enhances without overpowering, you could easily experiment with other fresh herbs. Imagine the aromatic notes of rosemary, the earthy depth of sage, or the delicate fragrance of thyme. Each would lend a unique character to this already fantastic dish.
This dish is an absolute lifesaver on those evenings when you’re short on time and inspiration. The succulent, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside quick-cooking rice to soak up every last drop of the flavorful gravy, or opt for fluffy quinoa for a healthier twist. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad are ideal accompaniments, adding freshness and balance to the rich garlic flavors. It’s truly a complete meal that feels gourmet despite its humble preparation.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Garlic Chicken
The beauty of this garlic chicken recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the rich, satisfying flavors that make this dish so special. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some helpful notes:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Halves: We recommend about 3 large breasts, cut into 1- to 1-1/2 inch cubes (approximately 21 ounces total). Cubing the chicken ensures quick, even cooking and maximizes the surface area for that desirable golden crust. You can also use chicken thighs for an even juicier result, though cooking time might vary slightly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just a tablespoon is needed to lightly coat the chicken, helping to create a beautiful sear and providing a base for the rich gravy. For a gluten-free version, see our tip below!
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out its natural flavors. Adjust to your taste.
- Good Olive Oil: The foundation for searing the chicken. A good quality olive oil adds depth of flavor.
- Chopped Garlic: The star of the show! Freshly chopped garlic is highly recommended for the best aroma and taste. About 1 tablespoon, but feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the garlic and chicken. Fresh is key here for vibrancy.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for searing the chicken and creating the base of the gravy. Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Lemon (optional): Quartered and served on the side, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a wonderful zing that brightens the entire dish.
For the Rich, Flavorful Gravy:
This simple gravy is what takes this garlic chicken from good to extraordinary, coating every piece in a luscious, savory sauce. It’s built right in the same pan, capturing all those delicious browned bits from the chicken.
- Heaping Tablespoon Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux.
- Heaping Tablespoon All-Purpose Flour: Combines with the butter to form a roux, which thickens the gravy to perfection.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for the gravy. Use a low-sodium chicken broth to better control the seasoning.
Gluten-Free Adaptation:
Making this recipe gluten-free is straightforward! Instead of regular flour, toss the raw chicken cubes with a tablespoon of cornstarch. For the gravy, melt the butter, then add the chicken broth. To thicken, whisk in either a teaspoon of cornstarch (slurried in a little cold water first) or an 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum until the desired consistency is reached. This ensures everyone can enjoy this fantastic meal!
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Skillet Cooking
Having the right tools can make all the difference, especially when you’re aiming for a quick and seamless cooking experience. For this easy garlic chicken, these kitchen essentials will be invaluable:
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for consistent results, especially for the flour and spices.
- 12-inch skillet: A large, sturdy skillet is crucial for searing the chicken in a single layer, which promotes even browning and a delicious crust. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for this, retaining heat beautifully.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few bowls for tossing the chicken with flour and combining the garlic and parsley mixture.
- Whisk: Essential for smoothly incorporating the flour into the butter for the gravy, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky texture.
- Paper towels: For thoroughly drying the chicken, a crucial step for achieving that perfect sear.
- Tongs or spatula: For easily turning the chicken pieces without losing their beautiful crust.
The Magic Behind This Simple Chicken Recipe
One of the primary reasons this chicken recipe is such an enduring success is the exquisite “marriage” of olive oil and butter, combined with the sheer simplicity of the ingredients. This duo creates a rich, nuanced base for the chicken to cook in, imparting incredible flavor and tenderness. The chicken emerges from the skillet with a beautifully seared exterior and a wonderfully juicy interior, perfectly seasoned and infused with garlic and parsley.
I’ve made a few minor adaptations over the years to perfect this dish, and those are reflected in the detailed recipe card below. These tweaks ensure maximum flavor and ease of preparation, making it foolproof for even novice cooks. Prepare to enjoy a dish that tastes like it took hours, but was actually on your table in under thirty minutes!
If you’re continually seeking out more kid-friendly dinner ideas that are also simple for adults to prepare, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other favorites. My BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Skillet is a hearty, comforting meal that kids adore, and it’s practically a one-pan wonder. For another incredibly easy-to-prep option, my Easy BBQ Crockpot Chicken offers a set-it-and-forget-it approach to tender, flavorful chicken that can be shredded for sandwiches, tacos, or served with your favorite sides.
More Delicious & Easy Chicken Recipes to Explore
Chicken is a versatile and beloved protein, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals. If you enjoyed this garlic chicken, you’ll surely love exploring these other fantastic chicken recipes from our collection. Each one is designed to be approachable yet impressive, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire:
- Chicken Marsala: A classic Italian-American dish featuring pan-fried chicken breasts and mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce. Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for a weeknight.
- Chicken Piccata: Bright and zesty, this recipe combines tender chicken cutlets with a caper and lemon butter sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
- Chicken Spaghetti: A comforting, creamy pasta dish loaded with shredded chicken, cheese, and a flavorful sauce. A true family favorite!
- Chicken Stroganoff: A twist on the traditional beef version, this creamy chicken stroganoff is hearty and delicious, perfect over egg noodles or rice.
- Chicken Cacciatore: A rustic Italian hunter-style stew with chicken, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Rich in flavor and wonderfully aromatic.
- Cajun Chicken Pasta: Spice up your dinner routine with this creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu: A French-inspired dish of chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and pan-fried or baked until golden. Impressively delicious!
Easy Skillet Garlic Chicken with Parsley
IMPORTANT – Don’t miss the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Expert Tips located further down this page. They provide valuable insights to make your cooking even better!
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Ingredients
- 21 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast halves about 3 large breasts, cut into 1- to 1-1/2 inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium lemon quartered (optional, serve on the side)
For the Gravy
- 1 heaping tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
Before You Begin: Important Notes & Gluten-Free Tips
- Dry Chicken is Key: Ensure your chicken cubes are thoroughly dried with paper towels before tossing with flour. This is critical for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust and preventing steaming.
- Flour Amount: Resist the urge to add more flour than specified for coating the chicken. The small amount is perfect for a light dredge that aids in searing without making the chicken gummy.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe can easily be made gluten-free! Simply toss the raw chicken with a tablespoon of cornstarch instead of regular flour. For the gravy, melt the butter, add the broth, then whisk in either a teaspoon of cornstarch (first mixed with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry) or an 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum for thickening.
- Heat Control: Cooking over high heat initially is essential for developing that desirable crust. However, keep a close eye to prevent burning the garlic.
Instructions
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Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Thoroughly pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the dried chicken with the flour, salt, and pepper until lightly coated. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until it’s very hot but not smoking. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding), and cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving, allowing a lovely golden-brown crust to form. Turn the pieces of chicken and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until cooked through and golden on all sides.21 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast halves, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
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Infuse with Garlic and Parsley: While the chicken is cooking, combine the chopped garlic and fresh parsley in a small bowl. Once the chicken is seared, add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the garlic-parsley mixture to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute longer, shaking the skillet occasionally to ensure the chicken is well coated with the aromatic mixture. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving behind any delicious browned bits, extra parsley, and garlic in the pan. This will form the flavor base for your gravy.1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Delicious Gravy
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Prepare the Gravy: If there’s a significant amount of oil remaining in the pan (more than about a tablespoon), carefully drain off the excess, leaving behind just enough to cook the roux. Most likely, you won’t need to remove much. Add the 1 heaping tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan and cook over medium heat until melted. Add the 1 heaping tablespoon of flour and whisk vigorously to combine, creating a smooth roux. Cook this roux for about a minute or so, stirring continuously, to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking constantly as you pour to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue stirring constantly until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency and has cooked down slightly, usually about 3-5 minutes. Serve the hot, luscious gravy immediately over the reserved garlic chicken. Enjoy!1 heaping tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 cup chicken broth
Expert Tips & FAQs for Garlic Chicken Success
To thaw and reheat frozen garlic chicken:
- Thaw the chicken at room temperature on a plate or in a container, or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. *
- Serve with freshly cooked rice, pasta, or your favorite side dish.
- *A note on reheating: Microwaves tend to alter the texture and taste of chicken in a way I personally don’t prefer. However, if that doesn’t bother you, it’s a faster option!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for an even juicier and more forgiving dish. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through (ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
- What if I don’t have fresh parsley? While fresh parsley provides the best flavor and vibrant color, you can use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Add it earlier with the garlic to allow its flavors to rehydrate.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning? Keeping the heat high for searing is good, but once you add the garlic, reduce the heat slightly if needed and only cook for about a minute. Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter.
- Can I add vegetables to this skillet dish? Yes! Bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or spinach can be added with the garlic and parsley, or wilted into the gravy at the end. They’ll add extra nutrients and flavor.
- What are the best side dishes for garlic chicken? Beyond rice and steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, couscous, crusty bread (to sop up the gravy!), or a light green salad all make excellent pairings.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per Serving)
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published on this blog on June 11, 2009, and has been updated with expanded tips, improved instructions, and SEO optimization to bring you the very best garlic chicken experience!