Garlic and Parsley Chicken: Zesty Weeknight Recipe

My kitchen always comes alive with the aromatic garlic and parsley chicken that promises to make dinner spectacular.

Comfort meets excitement in this simple yet impressive dish.

Busy home cooks will adore how quickly this meal comes together.

Herbs and seasonings blend seamlessly to create a mouthwatering experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

Delicate chicken pieces absorb robust flavors from minced garlic and bright parsley.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender meat and zesty herbs.

You can transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration with this effortless recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Garlic and Parsley Chicken a Go-To

• Combines simple ingredients like garlic, parsley, and lemon to create a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish.
• Flexible recipe allows adding personal touches like extra spices or red pepper flakes to match individual taste preferences and make the meal uniquely yours.
• One-skillet cooking method means less washing up and more time enjoying your delightful meal with family or friends.

Ingredients in Garlic and Parsley Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this flavorful dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: These fats help create a golden-brown sear on the chicken and add rich, deep flavor to the dish.

• Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Garlic provides a sharp, pungent taste that intensifies the overall flavor profile. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance and balance the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Chicken broth creates a delicious pan sauce, while lemon juice adds a tangy, fresh brightness to the dish.

• Red Pepper Flakes: These provide a subtle heat that can be adjusted to personal spice preference.

How to Cook Garlic and Parsley Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Perfectly

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them with a delightful mix of seasonings.

You’ll want to coat each piece generously with salt, pepper, and any zesty spices that catch your fancy.

Pat the chicken gently to help the seasonings stick and create a mouthwatering exterior.

Step 2: Create Golden Sear

Fire up a large skillet with a swirl of olive oil and a pat of butter.

Let the pan heat up to a sizzling medium-high temperature.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Listen for that satisfying sizzle!

Cook each side until it transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown color, typically taking about 5-7 minutes.

The chicken should look crispy and feel firm when touched.

Once perfectly cooked, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Craft Aromatic Garlic Base

• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth

Swirl the garlic around, letting it release its incredible aroma for 1-2 minutes.

Gently scrape up those flavorful brown bits stuck to the pan’s bottom.

The liquid will help lift those tasty remnants.

Step 4: Elevate with Herbal Brightness

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice

Stir everything together, letting the herbs and citrus dance in the pan for another 1-2 minutes.

Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the golden chicken to the skillet.

Lovingly spoon the garlic and parsley sauce over each piece, allowing everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes.

This magical moment lets all the flavors mingle and become best friends.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Plate your masterpiece immediately!

Drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken.

Serve alongside your favorite companions like fluffy rice, twirly pasta, or roasted vegetable medley.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance!

Helpful Tips for Garlic and Parsley Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Sauté garlic briefly to release its aroma without burning, which can create a bitter taste that ruins the entire dish.
• Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the skillet, as these caramelized pieces add deep, rich flavor to the sauce.
• Add parsley at the end of cooking to maintain its bright green color and preserve its vibrant, fresh taste.
• If the sauce seems too thin, whisk in a small amount of butter or let it simmer longer to naturally reduce and thicken.

Store and Reheat Garlic and Parsley Chicken

• Store chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to prevent sticking. Cover and heat for 3-4 minutes, turning chicken once. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Great Sides for Garlic and Parsley Chicken

• Pairing Wine with Zesty Chicken: Select crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the garlic and lemon brightness.
• Complementary Side Dish Selection: Prepare herbed quinoa or roasted asparagus to enhance the chicken's fresh parsley and garlic flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Accompaniment: Serve with a light Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to balance the dish's savory notes.
• Herb-Infused Bread Pairing: Offer warm, crusty bread with olive oil and herb dipping sauce to soak up the delicious garlic sauce from the chicken.

Simple Spins on Garlic and Parsley Chicken

• Low-Carb Herb Chicken: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more flavor and swap traditional sides with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil or additional olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter sauce.
• Mediterranean-Style Adaptation: Add capers, sliced olives, and swap lemon juice for white wine to create a richer Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, or add diced jalapeños to increase heat and complexity of the dish.

FAQs

• What makes the garlic and parsley sauce so special?

The combination of fresh garlic, bright parsley, and tangy lemon juice creates a vibrant, aromatic sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor while adding a zesty, herb-forward profile.

• Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

While fresh parsley provides the best flavor and brightness, you can substitute dried parsley. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh parsley called for in the recipe, but the sauce won’t have the same fresh, green taste.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this chicken stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture, and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out.

Garlic Parsley Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parsley chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Herbal notes and tender meat create a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight meals or weekend entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken breasts by generously seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional complementary spices to enhance the flavor profile.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a combination of olive oil and butter to create a rich cooking base.
3. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for approximately 5-6 minutes, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm while preparing the aromatic sauce.
5. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and quickly toast for 30-45 seconds, releasing its intense fragrance without burning.
6. Pour chicken broth into the pan, gently scraping the caramelized bits from the bottom to incorporate deep, complex flavors.
7. Incorporate fresh chopped parsley and a splash of bright lemon juice, allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.
8. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or optional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
9. Gently return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the vibrant garlic-parsley sauce and letting it warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
10. Plate immediately, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken and serving alongside complementary sides like herbed rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Elevate flavor by marinating chicken in garlic, herbs, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste penetration.
• Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for juicier results and deeper flavor development during searing process.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding cayenne powder for spice enthusiasts seeking extra kick.
• Transform recipe into gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of traditional flour for thickening sauce and ensuring dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 80mg