Garlic Chicken - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Garlic Chicken

(678)
40 min4340 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|August 10, 2024

This Garlic Chicken features tender chicken pieces in a rich, garlicky sauce that is pure comfort. An abundance of garlic is the star here — roasted until sweet and mellow, then combined with butter, herbs, and a splash of white wine to create a sauce you will want to drink. Simple ingredients, extraordinary flavour. This is the kind of easy weeknight dinner that makes you feel like a chef.

garlic-chickeneasy-dinnerone-pangarlic-loverweeknight-meal

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Bring to Room Temperature

Take chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly — the outside overcooks while the centre stays underdone.

About This Recipe

Garlic Chicken is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table, especially during the cooler Canadian months. The magic of this recipe lies in the generous amount of garlic, which transforms from sharp to sweet as it roasts, creating a rich sauce that envelops tender chicken thighs. Each bite is packed with layers of flavour, thanks to the combination of herbs, butter, and a splash of white wine. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy bistro right in your own home.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something uncomplicated yet impressive. The grilling method allows the chicken skin to crisp beautifully while keeping the meat juicy and succulent. Canadian home cooks adore Garlic Chicken for its simplicity and the way it elevates everyday ingredients into something truly special, making it a go-to during gatherings or a comforting family meal.

Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken

To ensure your Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly, aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for the chicken thighs. Start by searing the thighs skin-side down until golden brown, which helps to render out the fat and crisp the skin. Don’t rush the roasting process; allowing the garlic to caramelize fully will deepen the sauce's flavour. If you're worried about dryness, basting the chicken with the sauce as it cooks will keep it moist and delicious.

What to Serve With It

For an authentic Canadian twist, serve Garlic Chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish beautifully. For a hearty touch, consider adding a side of roasted seasonal vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, to round out your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat without losing moisture, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until heated through. If you want to freeze it, store the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

340
Calories
32g
Protein
18g
Fat
8g
Carbs
Fiber1g
Sugar2g
Sodium520mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?+

While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out more easily. I recommend sticking with bone-in, skin-on thighs for their juiciness and flavour.

What type of white wine is best for this recipe?+

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully, adding depth to the sauce without overpowering the garlic.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?+

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat gently before serving, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?+

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use olive oil instead of butter for a delicious twist.

How can I enhance the garlic flavor?+

For an extra punch, consider using roasted garlic in addition to the fresh cloves. It adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Reviews

4.9 / 5 (678 reviews)
Brandon F.
Aug 27, 2025

Best chicken recipe I have tried in a long time.

Sophie X.
Dec 23, 2025

Great recipe! Even my picky kids loved it.

Ashley P.
Oct 1, 2025

Absolutely delicious! The whole family devoured it.

Kevin Y.
Jan 13, 2025

Simple ingredients, amazing results. Highly recommend.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
30 min
Total:
40 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Do not burn the garlic — keep it on medium heat.
  • 2The garlic becomes sweet and spreadable after roasting.
  • 3Serve with crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce.

Variations

  • Use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes for colour and flavour.
  • Squeeze roasted garlic cloves onto bread as a side.

Grilled & Broiled Chicken

Garlic Chicken

This is THE Garlic Chicken recipe you have been looking for.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Garlic Chicken - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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