Experience the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with this incredibly easy and flavorful Chicken with Garlic and Parsley recipe. When time is short, and hunger is high, nothing beats a delicious meal that comes together in 30 minutes or less. This pan-fried chicken breast recipe delivers simple, yet profound flavors that will delight your family and make you feel like a culinary star, even on the busiest evenings. It’s the perfect blend of convenience, taste, and wholesome goodness, making it an instant classic in any home.
Say goodbye to boring weeknight meals with this mouth-watering Pan-Fried Chicken Breast. Expertly cubed and seasoned, boneless, skinless chicken cooks to golden perfection in mere minutes, enveloped in the rich aroma of butter and fresh garlic. This recipe isn’t just fast; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dining experience. Each bite offers a tender, juicy interior with a delicately crisped exterior, making it a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why This Garlic Parsley Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try
As much as I adore elaborate cooking on special occasions, when it comes to the daily dinner dilemma, I confess I’m a “smart cook.” My mission is to find meals that are not only delicious but also incredibly quick and straightforward to prepare. This philosophy led me to this phenomenal Garlic Parsley Chicken recipe, a dish that epitomizes efficiency without compromising on flavor.
- While I’m not one for frequent takeout, I absolutely cherish easy, restaurant-quality recipes that can be made in the comfort of my own kitchen. This pan-fried garlic chicken fits that bill perfectly, offering gourmet taste with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic alternative to expensive dining out, proving that homemade can be just as, if not more, satisfying.
- I’ve been relying on this speedy weeknight meal for almost a decade, a true testament to its enduring appeal and foolproof nature. The brilliance of this skillet dinner can be traced back to the legendary Jacques Pépin, the renowned French chef and beloved television personality. His simple yet elegant approach to cooking shines through in every aspect of this dish, transforming humble ingredients into something truly special.
- One of the greatest advantages of this Garlic Chicken Recipe is that almost all the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen pantry. You probably have chicken, olive oil, flour, salt, pepper, butter, and garlic on hand. The only item you might need to add to your grocery list is fresh parsley, which is easily accessible and elevates the dish with its bright, herbaceous notes. It’s a minimal shopping trip for maximum flavor impact!
What Others Are Saying About This Quick Garlic Chicken
Don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what delighted home cooks have to say:
From Jenny on Pinterest: “This Garlic Parsley Chicken was fast, easy, and absolutely amazing. I will definitely be making it again and again. A true weeknight lifesaver!”
This feedback reflects the universal appeal of a dish that combines speed, simplicity, and incredible taste. It’s a recipe that genuinely resonates with busy individuals and families seeking delicious, fuss-free meals.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pan-Fried Garlic Chicken
Crafting this flavorful chicken dish requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Here’s a closer look at each component and why it’s key to the recipe’s success:
- Kitchen Staples – You’ll need high-quality Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper. These foundational seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and bringing balance to the entire dish. Don’t underestimate their power!
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The star of our meal. Opt for fresh, good-quality chicken breasts. Cubing them into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking and makes the dish perfect for kids and adults alike. This preparation also maximizes surface area for that delicious golden crust.
- Olive Oil – I always reach for good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Its mild, fruity notes complement the chicken beautifully and provide the ideal medium for pan-frying, ensuring a rich flavor and a lovely sear.
- Flour – My secret weapon here is Wondra Flour. This granular flour, typically found in a blue canister, is a fantastic pantry staple. It’s superb for coating chicken and fish, creating a wonderfully light, crisp crust, and is unparalleled for making lump-free gravies and sauces. If you can’t find Wondra, regular all-purpose flour works perfectly fine as a substitute, delivering a similar delicious coating.
- Garlic – Fresh is best! You’ll need several cloves of fresh garlic, either finely minced or pressed through a garlic press. Fresh garlic provides an aromatic depth that dried garlic simply cannot match, infusing the chicken with its signature pungent and sweet notes.
- Fresh Parsley – A generous amount of fresh parsley is essential for this recipe. It’s not just a garnish; it provides a vibrant, clean, and bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and garlic, adding a crucial layer of freshness to the dish.
- Butter – I always use salted butter for this recipe. Salt is a phenomenal flavor enhancer, and the small amount used here will deepen the overall taste without making the dish overly salty. It contributes to the beautiful browning and a velvety finish for the sauce.
- Lemon – An optional but highly recommended addition. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish acts as a flavor brightener, adding a zesty tang that elevates and balances all the rich flavors, making the entire dish sing.
How to Master This 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Recipe
Preparing this incredibly flavorful Garlic Parsley Chicken is surprisingly simple. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a dish that tastes like it took hours, but truly only takes minutes:
Chef’s Secrets for the Best Garlic Parsley Chicken
While my passion for elaborate desserts runs deep – often leading me to tag the most decadent recipes in cookbooks – my enthusiasm for the day-to-day grind of dinner cooking tends to lean towards efficiency. I thrive on simple, yet immensely flavorful recipes that can be quickly assembled using ingredients I already have on hand. This Garlic Parsley Chicken is a prime example. Fresh parsley is often the only item I might need to add to my grocery list, as the rest are common pantry and fridge staples. Here are my top tips for making this dish truly spectacular:
- Stock Your Pantry: Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe – chicken, olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper – are likely already in your kitchen. Just a quick trip for fresh parsley and perhaps a lemon will set you up for success.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For optimal browning and a truly crispy texture, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the skillet lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed chicken rather than beautifully seared, golden pieces. Give each cube enough space to achieve that perfect crust.
- Timing is Key for Garlic: Resist the urge to add the minced garlic too early. For the best, most vibrant garlic flavor without any bitterness, incorporate it towards the very end of the cooking process. Sautéing it for just a minute with the butter and parsley allows its aroma to bloom without burning.
- Embrace Wondra Flour: This granular flour, produced by Gold Medal, is often marketed as an “All-Purpose Quick-Mixing Sauce ‘N Gravy Flour.” I consistently reach for it, especially during Thanksgiving, for making perfectly lump-free turkey gravy. For this recipe, Wondra creates an incredibly light and crisp coating on the chicken pieces that’s simply unmatched. I highly recommend keeping a box in your pantry; check the baking aisle of your grocery store. If you can’t find it, regular all-purpose flour is a suitable alternative.
- Shake It Up: For effortless and even coating, use a large Ziploc bag to shake your chicken chunks with the flour, salt, and pepper mixture. This ensures every piece is perfectly dusted without a mess.
- A Zesty Finish: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding an invigorating tang that enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip this simple yet impactful step!
This Chicken with Garlic and Parsley recipe is the ultimate savior after a long, hectic day. It effortlessly comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes absolutely fabulous! I’ve frequently doubled the original recipe to easily feed my family of five, and it scales up beautifully. You’ll be amazed at how such an easy chicken recipe can deliver such incredible flavor with so little effort. It’s a true culinary win!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pan-Fried Chicken
To achieve perfectly seared skillet chicken, ensure all the chicken pieces are arranged in a single layer in the pan. This prevents them from steaming and instead allows them to sauté beautifully, developing a crispy crust. If necessary, cook the chicken in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding. Always preheat your olive oil until it’s shimmering hot before adding the chicken. Allow one side to brown thoroughly and develop a golden crust before using a spatula to flip the chicken. Continue cooking and flipping until all sides are nicely browned and the chicken is cooked through.
Chicken cubes are done frying when they are crispy and have achieved an appealing golden-brown color on all sides. For a definitive check, cut into one of the larger pieces: the interior should be completely opaque, with no raw or pink areas visible. The juices should also run clear. Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety, though for small cubes, visual inspection is often sufficient once properly browned.
As a general rule of thumb, leftover cooked chicken can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It’s crucial to never let cooked chicken sit out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, as this significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth and potential food poisoning. Reheat leftovers thoroughly until steaming hot to ensure safety.
This versatile Garlic Parsley Chicken pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. For a light and fresh meal, consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette. For something more substantial, it’s excellent with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a hearty pasta. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also make fantastic accompaniments, soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A crusty bread to sop up the juices is always a welcome addition!
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and remain incredibly juicy, even if slightly overcooked, thanks to their higher fat content. Cube them into similar bite-sized pieces as you would with breasts, and adjust cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through. The rich flavor of chicken thighs also complements the garlic and parsley beautifully.
Explore More Easy Weeknight Entrée Recipes:
- Easy Chicken Lo Mein from Just a Taste
- Easy Salsa Chicken
- Honey Glazed Chicken Kabobs
- Chicken Piccata Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Marsala
- More Delicious Entree Recipes
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Chicken with Garlic and Parsley Recipe
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
6 servings
An easy, family-pleasing recipe that comes together in 30 minutes or less. Adapted from Jacques Pepin
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½- inch cubes
- ¼ cup flour, Wondra flour recommended
- ¾-1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¼+ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup butter
- Lemon, slices or quartered, to garnish or for a squeeze of juice before serving
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt and pepper and place in bowl or gallon ziplock bag.
- Dry chicken cubes, then toss in flour.
- Heat olive oil and saute chicken in batches, till browned and cooked through.
- Return all chicken to the pan and add garlic, parsley, and butter. Saute another minute, tossing to coat all chicken with garlic and parsley.
- Serve with lemon if desired.
Notes
Helpful Tools (As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases).
- Cutting Board
- Garlic Press
- Wondra Flour – A granular flour that makes a light crispy coating as the chicken cooks.
Adapted from Jacques Pepin.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 398Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 533mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 39g
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