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You are here: Home / Recipes / Main Dish / Chicken / Easy Garlic Chicken + VIDEO

Easy Garlic Chicken + VIDEO

Published April 4, 2022. Last updated May 14, 2025 by Lauren Vavala Harris

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Close up of garlic chicken breasts in a skillet with text overlay between them.
Two images of easy garlic chicken with text overlay between them.
Easy garlic chicken with text overlay.
Easy garlic chicken with text overlay.
Two images of easy garlic chicken with text overlay between them.
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This Easy Garlic Chicken recipe is a delicious, family-friendly dinner that can be made in just 20 minutes. Pan seared chicken breasts are topped with a garlic sauce seasoned with a hint of brown sugar, herbs, and spices.

Easy garlic chicken breasts in a skillet.

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Dinner time doesn’t have to be stressful. Chicken is the best when you need a quick but flavorful dinner.

It’s such a versatile protein to work with. Meals like Skillet Creamy Lemon Chicken with Cauliflower (or this version that uses orzo pasta) and Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole really showcase how easy it is for chicken to take on a variety of flavors.

This Garlic Chicken recipe is my favorite chicken recipe when I need quick, easy, and delicious! If you prefer a creamier sauce, try this recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken.

Why This Recipe Works

This easy chicken dinner recipe is super quick to prepare and family-friendly!

All it takes to make this delicious chicken recipe is a single pan and a few pantry ingredients. Dinner will be ready and on the table in under 20 minutes!

The simple, yet incredibly flavorful garlic sauce really accentuates the chicken. With loads of garlic, a hint of brown sugar, and a touch of spice, it’s a mouth-watering combination of flavors that will have you scraping every last little bit out of the pan!

This recipe is naturally gluten free. There is only has 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, making it low carb, but you can make it completely sugar free by using a brown sugar substitute like Swerve Brown Sugar. This also makes it a bit more keto friendly.

How to Make Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

Ingredients to make easy garlic chicken on a marble background with text overlay.

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (split or pound thin if thicker than a half inch)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

The only prep work for this recipe is to mince the garlic and trim the chicken, if necessary.

Create!

Garlic chicken marinade in a small glass bowl on a marble background.

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, brown sugar, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes, if using. Set aside.

Chicken breasts cooking in a skillet.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season with the salt and pepper.

Add the chicken to the skillet and sear on the first side for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.

Marinade being brushed on a chicken breast in a skillet.

Flip the chicken over and brush on the garlic marinade. Drizzle the extra marinade around the chicken in the pan.

Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking the chicken, until it is no longer pink in the center and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, between 5-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your chicken.

Present!

5 garlic chicken breasts in a skillet.

Serve hot, drizzling any excess pan juices over the chicken, if desired.

Tips and Techniques

  • Make this recipe low carb and keto friendly by swapping out the brown sugar for a brown sugar substitute like Swerve – you won’t even notice the difference!
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, rice, and/or vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.

FAQ’s

How Long Does It Take To Cook Chicken In A Skillet?

How long to cook chicken in a skillet will vary depending on how thick it is. A general time frame is 5-7 minutes per side, but you should always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving. It should reach 165°F for chicken.

Can You Cook Chicken In A Cast Iron Skillet?

Yes, just make sure the pan is well coated with butter or oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Is Cooking Chicken In A Pan Healthy?

Whether or not a recipe is healthy will depend on the ingredients used. To cook chicken in a pan, you will need to use some type of non-stick coating such as oil, butter, or a non-stick spray.

More Easy Garlic Chicken Recipes

In need of a few more easy garlic chicken dinner recipes? Some quick and simple recipes include:

Honey Garlic Chicken
Crispy, crunchy chicken in a sweet and sticky sauce make this recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken a favorite for all. It takes around 30 minutes to make and can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer.
Get The Recipe
Close up of Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders on a white plate with bulbs of garlic and slices of green onion in the background
Garlic Chicken Pasta
Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy go-to meal that's super delicious and family friendly. This recipe is made with juicy chunks of chicken and pasta in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It takes just 30 minutes and can easily be modified to suit a low carb or gluten free diet, if needed.
Get The Recipe
A black skillet full of garlic chicken pasta over a striped towel on a marble background.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a one pan recipe that can be made in just 25 minutes. It’s incredibly flavorful and kid-friendly. This recipe is low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free.
Get The Recipe
Close up of 4 Lemon Garlic Chicken breasts in a skillet with lemon garlic sauce

Love this Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating. I would really appreciate it!

Easy garlic chicken breasts in a skillet.
Print

Easy Garlic Chicken

This Easy Garlic Chicken recipe is a delicious, family-friendly dinner that can be made in just 20 minutes. Pan seared chicken breasts are topped with a garlic sauce seasoned with a hint of brown sugar, herbs, and spices.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Chicken
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 192kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic * minced
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes * optional
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, brown sugar, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes, if using. Set aside.
    1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season with the salt and pepper.
    1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
    1 tablespoon butter
  • Add the chicken to the skillet and sear on the first side for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Flip the chicken over and brush on the garlic marinade. Drizzle the extra around the chicken in the pan.
  • Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking the chicken, until no longer pink in the middle and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your chicken.
  • Serve hot, drizzling any excess pan juices over the chicken, if desired.

Notes

Tips and Techniques for Making the Best Garlic Chicken

  • Make this recipe low carb and keto friendly by swapping out the brown sugar for a brown sugar substitute like Swerve - you won't even notice the difference!
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, rice, and/or vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 424mg | Potassium: 419mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 3.3mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.5mg

This recipe was first published on October 16, 2017. The recipe, video, and images were updated on January 10, 2019. Minor updates were made in June 2020 and again in April 2022.

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Filed Under: Chicken, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Main Dish, Recipes, Side Dishes

Comments

  1. Alysa says

    May 22, 2023 at 4:20 pm

    I haven’t made this yet but I definitely will. I just wanted to comment on the fact that you put exactly how much of each ingredient is needed within the instructions. That is so freaking amazing, and I LOVE that you did that. It’s going to make making this so much easier and nicer. Thank you for doing that.

    Reply
  2. LaKita says

    June 28, 2021 at 12:05 am

    Love how simple and uncomplicated this garlic chicken recipe is! It is the perfect weeknight dinner to make for my family to enjoy!

    Reply
  3. Enriqueta E Lemoine says

    June 27, 2021 at 8:45 pm

    I made your garlic chicken, and I have to tell you; it’s as easy as good: tender and juicy! I’ll make it again for sure!

    Reply
  4. Kate says

    June 27, 2021 at 3:09 pm

    My whole family enjoyed this garlic chicken. Love it that the instructions were simple to follow and that one only needs readily available ingredients.

    Reply
  5. Loreto and Nicoletta says

    June 27, 2021 at 12:46 pm

    Wow! This us a great recipe for the busy work week. I love your garlic sauce and the sear on the chicken spectacular! I am drooling and craving one of those chicken breasts!😁🥰😛 A super delicious quick easy meal. You can’t ask for anything better than that!🥰😛👍👌❤

    Reply
  6. Heidy says

    June 27, 2021 at 7:57 am

    This easy garlic chicken made for a great meal that everyone enjoyed. I loved the textures and flavors and will definitely be making this again! Have a great day!

    Reply
  7. Marie says

    June 26, 2021 at 11:11 am

    I love the versatility of this easy chicken recipe! The marinade contains all the flavorings I love (garlic! lemon! thyme! and just a hint of sweetness 👌🏼) so I can totally imagine slicing and using this juicy chicken in salads, sandwiches, ramen soups, pasta, and more!

    Reply
  8. Amy Liu Dong says

    June 25, 2021 at 11:56 pm

    I love garlic so much, and this recipe really makes my day.
    An easy and delicious dish to make for everyone. YUM!

    Reply
  9. Sharon says

    June 23, 2021 at 2:45 pm

    I am a garlic fanatic so this is my kind of dinner – easy and delicious!

    Reply
  10. Farrukh Aziz says

    June 22, 2021 at 12:20 pm

    This was amazing paired up with veggies! I love the garlic flavor in the chicken, it’s not too strong! I’m saving this fantastic recipe!

    Reply
  11. Gloria says

    June 21, 2021 at 10:39 am

    Chicken is always a winner. This is easy, stress-free, and delicious. The perfect topping for a dinner salad.

    Reply
  12. Louise says

    March 4, 2021 at 9:12 pm

    This is fast, easy and delicious. I’ll be making this again for sure. Can’t wait for leftovers on my salad tomorrow.

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      March 5, 2021 at 8:36 am

      Thanks so much Louise! I’m glad that you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

      – Lauren

      Reply
  13. Michelle says

    January 10, 2021 at 6:26 pm

    Simple, fast and delicious! My super picky 8-year old loved it and kept asking for more. So yummy – will be making this again!!

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      January 10, 2021 at 7:15 pm

      Yay! That’s awesome – thanks so much!

      Reply
  14. Melissa Kirk says

    June 6, 2020 at 10:48 am

    Looks delicious and looking forward to trying.

    Reply
  15. Aline says

    December 17, 2019 at 7:09 pm

    One can never have too many chicken recipes, especially simple and tasty ones like this!! So yummy!!

    Reply
  16. Kels says

    December 2, 2019 at 8:52 pm

    This is my go to chicken recipe. Love how simple tasting but juicy this is.

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      December 17, 2019 at 8:04 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  17. Adriana Lopez Martin says

    November 2, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    Love garlic chicken and your recipe looks so appetizing and a perfect dish for a weekly dinner. I like Alexia they have good products need to buy some on my next trip to the store.

    Reply
  18. Katie says

    November 2, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    You know a recipe is going to be good when the ingredients are all things that are so simple, yet so tasty. This recipe is fast, so it’ll be perfect for week nights! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  19. Cliona Keane says

    November 2, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    Yum! Garlic and chicken are two of my favourite things, particularly when paired together like this. Definitely one for my archive!

    Reply
  20. Andrea Metlika says

    November 2, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    Love a good chicken recipe. Looks yummy. I didn’t know Alexia made other side dishes, will have to look for them the next grocery trip.

    Reply
  21. Ellen says

    November 2, 2018 at 12:13 pm

    I am always looking for new chicken recipes. This will definitely be a hit with the family!

    Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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