Baked Garlic Chicken

By: Toya. L

Looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful dinner idea? This Baked Garlic Chicken recipe is a game-changer! Juicy, tender chicken baked to perfection with a rich garlic butter sauce—perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also delicious.

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❤️What is there to love about Baked Garlic Chicken ❤️

• Delicious Flavor: The rich aroma and bold flavor of garlic perfectly complement the savory taste of the chicken.
• Healthier Option: Baking uses minimal oil compared to frying, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Simple and Versatile: It’s easy to prepare with minimal ingredients like garlic, olive oil, herbs, and spices.
• Pairs Well with Everything: Whether served with roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, a crisp salad, or cauliflower rice, baked garlic chicken is versatile enough to complement any side dish.

Ingredients:

Baked Garlic Chicken Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
• Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Pour 3 tbsp of the olive oil onto the chicken. Add half of the minced garlic to the chicken. Mix up your seasonings in a small cup or bowl, and season chicken cubes with the salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add the lemon juice. Toss to coat chicken evenly.
• Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated over for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Make the Garlic Sauce Mixture: Prepare a skillet. In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the almond flour. Add in the remaining minced garlic. Add in the heavy cream and whisk well. Pour in the chicken broth from the baked chicken. Stir and Add in the salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Add the Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the stove, pour the garlic sauce over the chicken.
• Bake: Bake the garlic chicken for an additional 10-15 minutes on 350°F until everything is warmed thoroughly.
• Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. (Optional)Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
• Serve & Enjoy: Serve the Baked Garlic Chicken with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad.

*NUTRITION DISCLAIMER

Tips for Baked Garlic Chicken:

• Choose the Right Cut of Chicken: Chicken breasts work best for this recipe.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
• Season Generously: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs/spices (smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder).
• Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Flavor Variations:

• Lemon Herb Garlic Chicken: Add Lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese for nice parmesan flavor.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.
• Garlic Dijon Mustard Chicken: Mix Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of paprika for a tangy, flavorful marinade.
• Garlic Butter Ranch Chicken: Add ranch seasoning mix to your garlic butter for a tangy, herby kick.
• Asian-Inspired Garlic Chicken: Add Soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and a little swerve sugar free brown sugar.
• Garlic Pesto Chicken: Spread basil pesto over the chicken along with minced garlic.
• Cajun Garlic Chicken: Cajun seasoning mix, minced garlic, and a touch of melted butter

Storing, freezing, thawing, and reheating instructions:

Storing:

• Refrigeration: Place leftover Baked Garlic chicken in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

• Allow the Baked Garlic chicken to cool completely.
• Portion the chicken into individual or family-sized servings for easier reheating later.
• Place the portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Thawing:

• Transfer the frozen Baked Garlic Chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator.
• Allow it to thaw slowly overnight or for about 24 hours.

Reheating:

Oven Method (Recommended):

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Transfer the thawed Baked Garlic chicken to an oven-safe dish.
• Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Stovetop Method:

• Place the thawed chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the skillet to help reconstitute the sauce.
• Stir occasionally, heating until the chicken is warmed through.

Microwave Method:

• Transfer a portion of the thawed chicken to a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
• Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish? Vegetables like, peppers, or green beans pair well and soak up the delicious garlic flavor.

How do I keep baked garlic chicken from drying out? To keep it moist, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, bake at the correct temperature, and baste with pan juices or garlic butter halfway through cooking. Rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.