Spicy Garlic Chicken is a savory, aromatic dish that combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with a flavorful garlic-infused sauce. The spiciness from red chili flakes and chili sauce, combined with the tangy zest of lemon juice, creates a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner that feels special. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, then cooked and coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. You can serve it alongside rice, bread, or quinoa for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients (For 2 Servings)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp red chili sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken stock
- Parsley or preferred herb for garnish
For the Marinade:
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp dried herbs
- ½ tsp chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Cut the chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp fennel seeds, 1 tsp dried herbs, and ½ tsp chili powder.
- Coat the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade until fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the oil: In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil or cooking oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Fry the chicken on all sides until golden brown and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown.
- Set aside: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Melt the butter: In the same pan, reduce the heat to low and add 2 tbsp butter. Let it melt completely.
- Sauté the garlic: Add 2 tbsp minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chili flakes: Stir in 1 tsp red chili flakes and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in ½ cup chicken stock (or use ½ tsp chicken stock cube or bouillon powder mixed with ½ cup water) to deglaze the pan. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add seasonings: Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp red chili sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it reduces and begins to thicken.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in 1 tsp lemon juice, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt if necessary, as both the stock and chicken contain salt.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Coat the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Toss the chicken pieces until they are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Optional slurry: If you prefer more sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with ¼ cup water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce and let it simmer for a minute or two until it thickens.
- Garnish: Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley or your preferred herb for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Spicy Garlic Chicken hot, accompanied by rice, quinoa, or bread.
- For a complete meal, pair the chicken with roasted vegetables, a green salad, or stir-fried veggies.
Cooking Tips
- Use unsalted butter: Since chicken stock and bouillon cubes often contain salt, it’s best to use unsalted butter to avoid oversalting the dish.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken, make sure the pieces are spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam instead of browning properly.
- Add more spice: For those who love an extra kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add some fresh chopped chili to the sauce.
- Save time on prep: If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken the night before. This will intensify the flavors, making the dish even more flavorful.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have chicken stock, you can use vegetable broth, or dissolve a chicken bouillon cube in water.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes! This recipe works well with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- How long can I store leftovers?
- Leftover Spicy Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
- Can I freeze the chicken?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- Serve this dish with rice, quinoa, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables.
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast?
- Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor to the dish. Just ensure they are fully cooked.
Conclusion
Spicy Garlic Chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that strikes the perfect balance between heat and zest. Whether you’re preparing a cozy meal for two or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and simplicity. It’s perfect for pairing with grains or vegetables, and the optional cheesy topping takes it to the next level. With just a few ingredients and some quick steps, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying chicken dish, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite side dishes and garnishes!