The Foolproof Recipe for Crispy Garlic Chicken
It's no secret that I enjoy garlic chicken. Any food served with garlic will always be a personal favorite of mine. And I tend to love chicken, so this Crispy Garlic Chicken was ideal for me!
I still remember the first time I tasted it. I was a little worried since I thought it would be extremely spicy. Do you know how garlic may sometimes have a warm, peppery flavor? But when garlic is cooked, it softens and becomes sweeter. Still, garlic is used extensively in this recipe, so you must enjoy garlic to try it!
In this blog, I’ll break down how to nail the perfect crispy garlic chicken every single time. This recipe is simple, quick, and so delicious that you’ll pat yourself on the back before you even finish eating! Now, let's get into it!
Which Choice of Chicken Works Best?
When making this Crispy Garlic Chicken, the chicken you use can make a big difference in how it turns out. But based on experience, I really think you should use boneless, skinless chicken legs for this recipe. They are always soft, juicy, and full of taste, no matter what method you use to cook them. Dark meat is my favorite because it's easier to cook and tastes great. The natural fat in chicken thighs keeps them moist even after being fried, and they also have a flavor that breast meat doesn't always have.
Another great thing about thighs is that you don't have to worry about them drying out if you cut them into smaller, odd pieces. The meat in the thighs can be cooked longer, which gives it the right golden-brown crunch without making the inside less soft. My go-to rule of thumb: fry the thigh meat until it’s golden brown, and you’re good to go!
But What About Chicken Breasts?
Now, don’t get me wrong—if you’re more of a chicken breast person, you can definitely use them in this recipe too. But know that chicken breasts are a bit more high-maintenance compared to thighs. They tend to dry out quickly when overcooked, especially when frying, and no one wants a dry, tasteless bite of chicken!
To avoid this, I recommend cutting the breast meat into one-inch chunks. This size helps the chicken cook evenly while ensuring the center remains juicy. If you’re cooking larger pieces, the outside can crisp up before the inside is done, resulting in an overcooked, dry mess. Keeping the breast pieces small ensures that you get that perfect crispy exterior without sacrificing the juiciness.
Zulay Says: If you’re using chicken breasts, remember not to cook them for too long. As soon as they turn golden and crispy on the outside, remove them from the heat to prevent them from becoming too dry.
With that, I'm going to use chicken breasts to show you how it can be done!
Ingredients
- 240g free-range skinless chicken breasts
- 2 thick slices of seeded wholemeal bread (75g each)
- 1 clove of garlic
How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken?
Step 1: Flatten the Chicken
Grab your chicken breasts and place them between two large sheets of greaseproof paper. Now, take a rolling pin or the base of a large pan and give those chicken breasts a good whack. You’re aiming for about 1cm thickness here. Flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and quickly, plus it makes the chicken easier to crisp up.
Zulay Says: If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even marinate the chicken in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes beforehand. This isn’t necessary, but it does add a bit of extra flavor.
Step 2: Blitz the Breadcrumbs
Next up, tear your wholemeal bread into chunks and toss it into a food processor. Add the garlic (peeled and chopped) and blitz the bread and garlic together until you have a mixture of fairly fine breadcrumbs. The smell of freshly blitzed garlic and bread? Absolutely mouth-watering.
Zulay Says: If you want to take it to the next level, add a handful of fresh herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic, herby twist.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken in those glorious garlicky breadcrumbs. Pour the crumbs over the flattened chicken,and gently press them onto each side. Then, for extra crispiness, re-cover the chicken with the greaseproof paper and give it another gentle whack. This helps hammer the crumbs into the chicken and flatten it even more, making the crust nice and compact.
You’ll end up with chicken that’s evenly coated in a flavorful garlic crumb mix—ready to get crispy!
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat up a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the crumbed chicken in the pan and fry for about 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color, with the chicken cooked through and crispy.
As the garlic-infused breadcrumbs sizzle away, your kitchen will fill with the most amazing aroma.
Zulay Says: Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece has enough space to crisp up properly.
Season to Perfection
Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the pan and transfer it on a plate. While it’s still hot, season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. This final touch is what makes the crispy garlic chicken sing with flavor.
Serve it up as is, or pair it with a simple salad, roasted veggies, or even mashed potatoes. And let’s be honest, a squeeze of lemon over the top wouldn’t hurt either!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The whole process takes less than 20 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy: It’s fried in just a tablespoon of olive oil, with wholemeal breadcrumbs for a nutritious twist. No heavy frying here!
- Garlic Lovers’ Dream: The garlic in the breadcrumbs adds an amazing depth of flavor that you can’t get enough of. Plus, you can customize it—love garlic? Add more!
- Versatile: This chicken pairs well with just about anything. Serve it over pasta, in a sandwich, or alongside your favorite sides. Heck, it’s even great on its own as a snack!
- Family-Friendly: Kids, adults, and everyone in between will love this crispy, flavorful chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Zulay's Expert Tips for Crispy Garlic Chicken Mastery
If you want to really elevate your crispy garlic chicken game, here are a few extra tips:
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: If you want even more crispiness, swap out the wholemeal bread for panko breadcrumbs. You’ll get an even lighter, airier crunch.
- Go Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs, and this recipe becomes gluten-free in an instant!
- Add Spices: If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Zulay's Final Thoughts
There you have it—a recipe for crispy garlic chicken that will always work! Easy to make, takes little time, and has a lot of taste in every bite. This chicken recipe is great for when you want something crispy and spicy for dinner, to make ahead for the week, or just because you're hungry.
So, try it out and let me know what you think in the comments. What are your favorite sides to go with crispy garlic chicken? What creative changes have you made to the recipe?
Share the Love!
Know someone who needs this crispy garlic chicken in their life? Share the recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to tag us on social media with @ZulayKitchen and #kitchenhappiness. We can’t wait to see your crispy garlic chicken creations!
