Easy Garlic Broiled Chicken: A Weeknight Dinner Winner!

Broiled chicken often gets a bad rap. People imagine dry, flavorless meat that’s more akin to shoe leather than a succulent dinner. But I’m here to tell you that perfectly broiled chicken – juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy – is absolutely achievable, especially when garlic is involved! This Easy Garlic Broiled Chicken recipe will become your go-to for busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious, and healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Forget takeout; this is faster, better, and much more satisfying.

This recipe focuses on simplicity and maximizing flavor. The key is a flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken with garlic goodness, combined with the high heat of the broiler that quickly sears the outside while locking in the juices. We’ll walk through each step to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time.

## Why Broil Chicken?

You might be wondering why broil chicken instead of baking, grilling, or pan-frying. Here’s why broiling is a fantastic option:

* **Speed:** Broiling is incredibly fast. The high heat cooks the chicken quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
* **Ease:** Minimal cleanup! You’re essentially using your oven’s built-in grill. A quick wipe-down of the broiler pan is usually all it takes.
* **Flavor:** The high heat sears the chicken, creating a beautiful crust and locking in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
* **Healthier:** Because broiling is so fast, you can often skip the skin (or remove it after cooking) to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor. The garlic marinade also adds a ton of flavor without needing a lot of added oils.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this recipe is short and sweet, focusing on fresh, flavorful ingredients.

* **Chicken:** Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces work best for broiling. They retain moisture better and the skin crisps up beautifully. Chicken thighs, drumsticks, and bone-in, skin-on breasts are all excellent choices. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but be sure to monitor them closely to prevent overcooking. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
* **Garlic:** The star of the show! Fresh garlic is crucial for that pungent, irresistible flavor. Don’t skimp on it! I recommend using at least 6-8 cloves, or more if you’re a garlic lover.
* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil helps to distribute the garlic flavor and prevents the chicken from sticking to the broiler pan.
* **Lemon Juice:** Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the garlic and olive oil. It also helps to tenderize the chicken.
* **Dried Herbs:** A combination of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary adds depth of flavor. You can also use an Italian herb blend.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Essential for seasoning. Use kosher salt for the best flavor.
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, paprika for color and a hint of smokiness, or a splash of white wine vinegar for extra tang.

Here’s the detailed list:

* 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
* 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Broiler Pan:** A broiler pan is essential for allowing the fat to drip away from the chicken as it cooks. If you don’t have a broiler pan, you can use a baking sheet lined with foil and a wire rack.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the marinade.
* **Tongs:** For flipping the chicken.
* **Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to making perfect garlic broiled chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Marinade**

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), paprika (if using), and white wine vinegar (if using). Whisk together until well combined.

**Step 2: Marinate the Chicken**

Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

**Step 3: Prepare the Broiler**

Preheat your broiler to high. Place the broiler pan in the oven on the top rack, about 6-8 inches from the broiler element. This distance is important for ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.

**Step 4: Arrange the Chicken**

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on the broiler pan, skin-side up. Make sure the pieces aren’t overcrowded, as this will prevent them from browning properly.

**Step 5: Broil the Chicken**

Broil the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken and broil for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. If the chicken skin is browning too quickly, you can lower the broiler temperature slightly or move the broiler pan to a lower rack in the oven.

**Step 6: Rest the Chicken**

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

Serve the garlic broiled chicken immediately. It’s delicious with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.

## Tips for Perfect Broiled Chicken

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the broiler pan will cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Make sure the pieces are arranged in a single layer with enough space between them.
* **Monitor the Chicken Closely:** Broiling can be tricky because the high heat can quickly lead to burning. Keep a close eye on the chicken and adjust the broiler temperature or rack position as needed.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
* **Don’t Skip the Marinade:** The marinade is crucial for adding flavor and keeping the chicken moist. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
* **For extra crispy skin:** Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels before placing it on the broiler pan. This helps to remove excess moisture and promote browning.
* **Adjust the Broiler Rack:** Depending on your oven and the thickness of your chicken pieces, you may need to adjust the broiler rack position. If the chicken is browning too quickly, move the rack to a lower position. If it’s not browning enough, move it to a higher position.
* **Use a wire rack on a baking sheet:** If you don’t have a broiler pan, placing a wire rack on a baking sheet allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even cooking and browning.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is a great base for experimenting with different flavors. Here are a few variations and additions you can try:

* **Spicy Garlic Chicken:** Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick.
* **Honey Garlic Chicken:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
* **Lemon Herb Chicken:** Use a combination of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley in the marinade, and add a few lemon slices to the broiler pan.
* **Mediterranean Chicken:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of saffron to the marinade, and serve with a side of couscous or quinoa.
* **Soy Ginger Garlic Chicken:** Replace the lemon juice with soy sauce and add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the marinade. This creates an Asian-inspired flavor profile.

## Serving Suggestions

Garlic broiled chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus are all delicious options.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken.
* **Rice:** Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all great choices.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with grilled vegetables is a refreshing side.
* **Pasta:** Pasta with a light sauce or a creamy pesto pairs well with garlic broiled chicken.
* **Quinoa or Couscous:** These grains are a healthy and flavorful alternative to rice.

## Storage and Reheating

**Storage:** Leftover garlic broiled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Reheating:** To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop.

* **Microwave:** Reheat the chicken in the microwave on medium power until heated through. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can make it dry.
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Stovetop:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, flipping occasionally.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This Easy Garlic Broiled Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful, and healthy way to get dinner on the table quickly. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. So, ditch the takeout and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your delicious and easy garlic broiled chicken! Remember to adjust the recipe to your liking and experiment with different flavors to create your own unique version.