Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. This Chicken with Garlic and Oil recipe is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that brings the rustic charm of Italian cooking right to your dinner table. With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's surprisingly easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 6 cloves of garlic sliced, 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes without moving them, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Once the chicken is nicely browned, flip the thighs over using tongs.
- Add the sliced garlic to the skillet around the chicken. Be careful not to add it too early, as garlic can burn quickly.
- Continue to cook the chicken for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
- As the chicken cooks, stir the garlic occasionally to ensure it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, but not burnt.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the garlic and oil from the skillet over the chicken thighs for added flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Dry Chicken is Crispy Chicken: Always pat your chicken thighs completely dry before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Wait until the olive oil shimmers but doesn't smoke. This ensures a perfect sear without burning.
- Don't Move the Chicken: When first placing the chicken in the skillet, resist the urge to move it. Let it develop a beautiful crispy skin by cooking undisturbed.
- Garlic Timing is Crucial: Add garlic later in the cooking process to prevent burning. Lightly golden and fragrant is the goal.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to redistribute the juices, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: The fresh parsley isn't just for looks – it adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich garlic and oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 150mg
