Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you love dinners that are quick, simple, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Garlic Chicken is about to become your new favorite. Made with tender chicken breasts, rich garlic-butter sauce, and a crispy golden breadcrumb crust, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but takes minimal effort.
Whether you need a weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy or a special meal that tastes restaurant-quality, this recipe checks all the boxes. Garlic lovers especially will be hooked from the very first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Only a handful of ingredients and simple steps.
- Crispy & Juicy: The breadcrumb coating locks in moisture while giving a golden crunch.
- Versatile: Works with chicken breasts or thighs, and you can customize the seasoning.
- Family-Friendly: Mild flavors that everyone enjoys, but easy to spice up if you like heat.
Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Craving a quick, flavorful dinner? This Easy Garlic Chicken is juicy, garlicky, and coated in a crispy golden crust simple to make and irresistibly delicious!
Course: Main Course Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe Prep Time: 10minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1hour hour Total Time: 1hour hour 10minutes minutes Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this irresistible garlic chicken:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 pieces) – you can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- ¼ cup butter (or margarine) – the key to a rich, golden crust.
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed – fresh garlic makes all the difference.
- 2 cups seasoned dry bread crumbs – adds flavor and crunch.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Fresh parsley – for garnish and freshness.
- Parmesan cheese – mix into bread crumbs for extra flavor.
- Red pepper flakes – if you want a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the crushed garlic until fragrant. Remove from heat but keep warm.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the garlic butter sauce, letting the excess drip off. Roll it in seasoned bread crumbs until evenly coated.
4. Arrange & Add Topping
Place the breaded chicken into the baking dish. If you have leftover garlic butter and bread crumbs, spoon the mixture over the top for extra flavor.
5. Bake Until Crispy
Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C). The coating should be crispy and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic chicken recipe is super versatile! Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:
- With Pasta: Toss spaghetti or fettuccine in olive oil and Parmesan, then top with garlic chicken.
- With Rice: Steamed white rice, lemon rice, or garlic butter rice pairs beautifully.
- Low-Carb: Serve with roasted vegetables or a big green salad.
- With Sauces: A side of ranch, aioli, or marinara adds extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these easy variations:
- Parmesan Garlic Chicken: Mix Parmesan into the bread crumbs for a cheesy twist.
- Garlic Herb Chicken: Add dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the bread crumbs.
- Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a fiery kick.
- Air Fryer Garlic Chicken: Make it lighter by air frying at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken up to the breading step and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap cooled chicken in foil or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 509 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 47 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 129 mg |
| Sodium | 589 mg |
| Potassium | 562 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Calcium | 129 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Just adjust the baking time slightly.
Q2: Can I use store-bought garlic butter?
Absolutely. If you’re short on time, pre-made garlic butter works perfectly.
Q3: Can I skip the bread crumbs?
Yes, you can coat the chicken only in garlic butter for a faster version. It won’t be crispy, but it will still taste amazing.
Q4: Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Warm it before using.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven so the crust stays crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a meal that tastes incredible. With its crispy golden coating and buttery garlic flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep—this dish is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit at the table!
