Garlic Broiled Chicken Recipe

Garlic Broiled Chicken is a flavorful, juicy, and wonderfully aromatic dish that’s quick to prepare and absolutely packed with garlicky goodness. Broiling locks in the moisture while giving the chicken a perfectly golden, slightly crispy exterior.

The combination of garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon makes this a perfect weeknight meal or dinner-party main course. It’s a no-fuss, high-impact recipe that belongs in every cook’s repertoire.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s bold in flavor, fast to make, and requires only a handful of ingredients. The broiler creates that deliciously charred, caramelized finish without needing a grill. Plus, the marinade doubles as a sauce, making cleanup and preparation simple. The garlic seeps into every bite, and it pairs beautifully with so many side dishes.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: Rich garlic-herb flavor with juicy chicken.
• Versatile: Great with rice, salad, pasta, or veggies.
• Low-Carb & Protein-Rich: Ideal for various diets.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinate Time (optional): 30 minutes – 2 hours (or skip for quick prep)
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approx. 250–300 per serving (boneless, skinless chicken thighs)

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes for heat
• Fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Marinade

1. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional spices.
2. Mix well until blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours (optional for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Preheat the Broiler

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler on high (usually around 500°F / 260°C).
2. Position an oven rack 5–6 inches below the broiler element.
3. Line a broiler pan or baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it.

Step 4: Broil the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from marinade and place on the prepared pan.
2. Broil for 6–8 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Keep a close eye—broilers can brown food quickly!

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after broiling to retain juices.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with:
  • Garlic rice, herbed quinoa, or mashed potatoes
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables
  • A fresh green salad or coleslaw
  • Pita bread and tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist
• Drizzle extra pan juices over the chicken for more flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips & Variations:

• Bone-In Option: Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for more flavor—just adjust cook time.
• Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on chicken before broiling for a cheesy crust.
• Use a Grill: This marinade works wonderfully for grilled chicken as well.
• Garlic Boost: Roast extra garlic cloves alongside the chicken for a mellow, buttery garlic side.
• Make It Spicy: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy version.

Freezing & Storage

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave (add a splash of water to retain moisture).

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• You can also freeze raw chicken in marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw before broiling.

Special Equipment Needed

• Oven with broiler function
• Baking sheet or broiler pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Meat thermometer (recommended)
• Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: Can I broil chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well, just be careful not to overcook—use a thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.

Q2: Can I skip the marinating step?
Absolutely. The marinade also acts as a quick flavor coating. However, marinating adds more depth.

Q3: What’s the difference between baking and broiling?
Broiling uses direct high heat from above to quickly cook and brown food—ideal for a crispy finish.

Q4: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and broil just before serving.

Conclusion

Garlic Broiled Chicken is a deliciously simple yet flavor-packed meal that proves less really is more. With minimal ingredients and maximum impact, it’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining. Whether paired with a side of veggies, rice, or salad, this juicy, garlicky chicken is sure to become a regular on your table. It’s a recipe that delivers every time—quick, bold, and satisfying.