A Good and Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe

A Good and Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (or to taste)

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients before starting.

Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, seasoning salt, and onion powder.

Step 4: Cook the chicken for 7 to 10 minutes on each side, until the juices run clear and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. To check doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the chicken. It should read at least 165F (74C).

Step 5: Once cooked, remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your meal!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 214
  • Fat: 10g (13% of daily value)
  • Saturated Fat: 6g (30% of daily value)
  • Cholesterol: 91mg (30% of daily value)
  • Sodium: 368mg (16% of daily value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 2g (1% of daily value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% of daily value)
  • Total Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 28g (55% of daily value)
  • Vitamin C: 2mg (2% of daily value)
  • Calcium: 23mg (2% of daily value)
  • Iron: 1mg (5% of daily value)
  • Potassium: 329mg (7% of daily value)

* Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your individual needs.

A Good and Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Recipe by: Julia Green

A Good and Easy Garlic Chicken

History and Origin

Garlic chicken recipes have roots in many cuisines, from Mediterranean to Asian, where garlic has long been celebrated for its bold flavor and health benefits. However, the version described heresimple and quickis a distinctly American creation. The use of basic pantry staples like garlic powder, seasoning salt, and onion powder in combination with butter makes this dish a practical weeknight meal. While variations of garlic chicken have been prepared in various cultures for centuries, this particular recipe leans toward comfort food, emphasizing ease and speed over complex seasoning blends.

Regional Variations

In the United States, garlic chicken is particularly popular in Southern and comfort food cuisines. In the South, the use of garlic and butter is often seen in many dishes, from fried chicken to shrimp and grits. The dish here is designed for home cooks looking for a quick meal that still delivers rich, savory flavors. Across different regions, you might find garlic chicken prepared with unique twistslike adding fresh herbs in the Northeast or spicy seasonings in the Southwest. In Italian cuisine, for example, garlic is often paired with olive oil and herbs like rosemary and thyme, a slightly more robust preparation compared to the simple seasoning in this recipe.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

What sets this garlic chicken apart from other garlic-based dishes is its simplicity and ease of preparation. Many garlic chicken recipes call for marinating or simmering the chicken in complex sauces, but this recipe skips that step, using a few key spices to create a quick, flavorful meal. Additionally, unlike garlic chicken recipes that use fresh garlic and additional ingredients like wine or cream, this version utilizes garlic powder, which gives a more subtle flavor. This makes the dish accessible for people looking for something fast and uncomplicated, without sacrificing the essence of a classic garlic-flavored chicken.

Where Its Typically Served

This easy garlic chicken is often served as a family dinner or weeknight meal, thanks to its quick cooking time and straightforward ingredients. It pairs beautifully with side dishes like steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. It's also commonly served over pasta, providing a simple yet satisfying dinner. In some households, this dish may even be prepared as part of a larger spread for a casual gathering or family-style meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from a fast weekday dinner to a more elaborate meal when paired with the right sides.

Fun Facts

  • Garlic has been used for thousands of years in both cooking and medicine. Ancient Egyptians believed it had healing properties, and it was often consumed to promote health and strength.
  • The use of garlic powder in this recipe is an homage to the modern kitchen convenience, allowing home cooks to achieve a garlic-rich flavor without the need for fresh cloves.
  • Garlic chicken recipes like this one are often customizable. Some may add additional herbs, vegetables, or even a splash of white wine to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Though this dish is a staple in American comfort food, garlic chicken has an international appeal, appearing in variations from China (where garlic chicken is often stir-fried with vegetables) to the Mediterranean, where garlic pairs with olive oil and lemon.

Conclusion

This Good and Easy Garlic Chicken is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create a flavorful meal. Whether youre new to cooking or an experienced chef looking for a quick recipe to add to your rotation, this dish provides a perfect balance of convenience and taste. By using common ingredients like garlic powder, seasoning salt, and butter, it makes the most of pantry staples, and with just 25 minutes of prep and cooking time, its ideal for any occasion. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a flavorful chicken dinner thats as easy as it is delicious!

FAQ about A Good and Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Store any leftover garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, depending on portion size.

Yes, garlic chicken can be frozen. Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in a skillet or microwave.

Garlic chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a creamy sauce, like Alfredo, for extra richness.

Yes, you can substitute the seasoning salt with regular salt and adjust the seasonings to your taste. Some people prefer to use garlic salt or even Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.

If you don't have garlic powder, you can substitute it with fresh garlic. Just mince or crush 1-2 cloves of garlic and sauté it in butter before adding the chicken. This will provide a fresh, strong garlic flavor.

To make this recipe healthier, you can use olive oil instead of butter to reduce saturated fat. You can also opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are slightly more flavorful but still lean. Reducing the amount of seasoning salt and using fresh herbs can also lower sodium content.

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicier. Just ensure they are cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the thighs.

The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork, and the chicken should no longer be pink inside.

Yes, you can make garlic chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken as directed, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave.

You can experiment with different seasonings based on your taste preferences. Try adding paprika, dried herbs like thyme or oregano, lemon zest for a citrusy note, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Adjust the seasonings to your liking!

Comments

ALLYSON01

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Loved the basic concept and then took some ideas from the other reviews. I used olive oil, rather than butter. Tossed in a big handful of chopped onion and a few teaspoons of already minced garlic from a jar while the chicken sauted. After the chicken breasts were done, put in a can of chicken broth and let everything simmer while I finished the rest of the meal. When the meal was ready, removed the chicken and made gravy out of what was left in the pan. It was delicious and has become my favorite way to cook chicken.

SKD1983

04/12/2003 08:34:13 AM

This recipe was wonderful. It smelled so good cooking, I could hardly wait to taste it. I did alter the recipe a little. I used lots of fresh garlic, and rubbed all the powdered seasonings on the chicken. I let the butter melt in some olive oil and added the garlic. After the chicken browned a little, I poured in a can of chicken broth let it simmer for a few until I stirred in 1/4 cup of flour. It made a great sauce! I served It over egg noodles. Loved every bit of it.

Allrecipes Member

10/25/2002 05:12:26 PM

Love the recipe! Here's a way to keep the flavor, but lose the saltiness that many reviewers mentioned. Just dice about half an onion, and use fresh chopped garlic (to your taste). That way the only salt product is the seasoning salt. I also added some fresh ground black pepper. Be careful with the cooking time if you use fresh onion and garlic. I cook mine until it all browns up nicely (which makes a nice sauce in the pan...great, if serving with rice), but you need to make sure the chicken is cooked through, esp. if some of the breasts are very thick. Even with these minor changes...it is still quick, easy, and a great recipe!

Barbara Walker

02/21/2025 07:28:11 PM

I’ve made similar recipes, but this one’s the best.

Alexis Sciarrillo

12/07/2018 01:35:52 AM

Amazing! I followed other reviewers on making gravy with it. Once chicken was cooked, I removed them from the skillet and added 1 cup of chicken broth to the butter, then 1/2 cup water mixed with 1/2 cornstarch. I then added a chopped sweet onion. I stirred until thickened and onion was cooked. Once the gravy was done, I added the chicken back in the gravy and coated the chicken in the gravy. Then served. It was amazing!!!

Jason SF

05/27/2023 03:18:50 AM

This is basic cooking 101 good but not great. Instead of 4breast use 2 and live in freezer for 5min make it easier to cut in half lengthwise and cut cooking time in half. Use clarified butter and real garlic over medium heat, add veg and rice simple dinner. Enjoy

Cj Gilbert

05/22/2019 10:48:43 PM

Yum! I used chicken tenderloins and the cook time was about ten mins on the first side and about 4-5 minutes on the other side. I only used one tsp of garlic because my hubby doesn’t like too much. My famously picky kids loved this!!

Dan Romaniak

02/18/2025 12:03:37 AM

This was a very easy and flavorful recipe. My only change was I used Olive Oil instead of butter and cooked mid-size breasts about 7 1/2 minutes each side to ensure internal temp was 165 degrees. We will definitely be making this again.

WobblyDate2096

05/11/2023 08:29:04 PM

This was by far one of the tastiest chicken recipes I've tried. I did alter a little. I added 1/2 small onion. There wasn't anything left. Love it

Maisha

12/09/2016 03:34:22 AM

It was a good base recipe. However, using fresh ingredients is a better idea. I used one teaspoon of fresh onions along with one teaspoon of fried onions. Then, I added two cloves of garlic, one teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of some chicken biriyani powder, a pinch of cumin, and two teaspoons of ginger paste. I also think dicing the chicken into small pieces lets the flavor get in better. Also, I think I will try using chicken broth, so there is more to eat with rice. I think this recipe is a great place to start and springboard off of with adjustments based off of personal tastes.

Isy

10/27/2016 04:15:44 AM

I used boneless chicken thighs, sprinkled with garlic and onion powder. Used a little olive oil along with the butter and sautéed fresh onion before adding the chicken. Once the chicken was browned, I took the suggestion to add chicken broth, covered the pan and let the chicken finish cooking. The chicken was very moist and tastey. This is a great way to provide a quick and delicious main dish.

SteadySage6492

09/20/2025 10:06:25 PM

Worked like a charm

R

08/28/2025 03:35:03 AM

I make this for dinner when I don’t know what else to do and my boyfriend loves it and requests it all the time. It’s very simple and is always delicious. I usually pair it with some rice and usually use it as a salad topper with an olive oil and vinegar dressing. My favorite fast easy dinner and pretty healthy.

megg

07/25/2025 01:56:43 PM

Would definitely use the cooking method again but would change up the spices. Too much garlic powder for me. Spices I will try: sub fresh garlic for the powder and add when turning chicken. Cajun for the seasoning salt. Or, garlic salt for the garlic and seasoning salt.

LovingRice6916

06/28/2025 12:03:48 AM

I fixed for 2…so I cut back on the butter and added a little olive oil because I know my pan cooks hot. It turned out great! Very moist and delicious.

Shaheed Mujaahid

06/25/2025 03:53:41 AM

It was ok I'll try it again I also added dried parsley

SillyWhisk2205

05/25/2025 12:34:08 AM

It was so good. Added a few more spices but delicious!!!

Daniel White

03/23/2025 03:34:53 PM

I didn’t think cooking could feel this satisfying.

gweng6669

02/04/2025 06:59:54 AM

I really enjoyed this recipe. I did substitute Rotisserie chicken seasoning for the season salt, since I don't have it, and I added black pepper. This was an easy recipe for a night when I didn't feel like doing a bunch of chopping and dicing just to get a meal on the table.

Kenneth Martinez

01/22/2025 09:33:37 PM

Seriously good, even better than expected.

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