Why the Garlic Chicken Is Great For Burning Fat
While there are countless recipes out there, I find that garlic chicken stands out as a fantastic option for those looking to burn fat. The lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein, which helps build muscle and boosts metabolism.
Garlic, known for its health benefits, can aid in fat loss by enhancing digestion and lowering cholesterol levels. Plus, the dish is satisfying without being overly heavy, making it easy to stick to a healthier eating plan.
When I make garlic chicken, I feel energized and confident in my choices, knowing I’m fueling my body with nutritious ingredients that support my weight loss goals.
Ingredients of Garlic Chicken
If you’re ready to whip up some delicious garlic chicken, you’re in for a treat. This dish not only tastes amazing, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a great choice for a hearty meal. Let’s explore what you need to gather before you get cooking.
Here’s a handy list of ingredients for making garlic chicken:
- 4 egg yolks, beaten slightly
- 6 fresh garlic cloves, chopped
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup dry unseasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
Now, before you rush off to the kitchen, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. The beauty of garlic chicken lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients—just some good-quality chicken and fresh garlic.
Oh, and that melted butter? It’s the secret weapon that helps everything stick together and adds a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. If you’re not a fan of garlic (how is that even possible?), you could try using garlic powder instead, but honestly, fresh is always better.
And don’t skip the parmesan; it gives that crunchy, cheesy coating that takes this dish to the next level. There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, cheese, and chicken that just feels like home.
How to Make Garlic Chicken
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s plunge into the exciting process of making garlic chicken. First things first, grab a zip-type bag and toss in those 4 beaten egg yolks along with 6 chopped fresh garlic cloves and the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves. Sounds easy, right? It is! Just zip up that bag, press out as much air as you can, and give it a good massage. Yes, I said massage. You want to make sure every piece of chicken is coated with that garlicky goodness.
This step is essential because it allows the flavors to mingle, and trust me, you want all that flavor to soak in. So, pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or if you’re feeling extra ambitious, let it marinate overnight. Your future self will thank you.
Once your chicken has soaked up all that garlic magic, it’s time to get cooking. Preheat your oven to 400°F; this is where the magic happens. While that oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch glass baking dish and pour in 6 tablespoons of melted butter, tipping it around so the bottom gets nicely coated.
Next, in a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of dry unseasoned breadcrumbs with 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1/2 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper. If you can resist the urge to snack on this mixture, great job. Now, dredge each piece of chicken in this coating, making sure it’s covered on all sides. Lay those beautifully coated chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer—no crowding here. Drizzle any leftover egg mixture over the top for that extra oomph.
Now for the best part—baking! Slide that dish into the oven and let it work its magic for about 40 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; the chicken should be cooked through, with no pink left and those juices running clear.
This is the moment where the aroma fills your kitchen, and you might find yourself pacing back and forth, anxiously waiting. But don’t worry, it’s worth it. Once it’s done, plate it up and enjoy your flavorful garlic chicken. Who knew something so simple could taste so incredible?
Just be prepared; you might find yourself making this dish over and over again, and your friends might start asking for dinner invitations just for this recipe. Enjoy!
Garlic Chicken Substitutions & Variations For Low Carb Diets
After enjoying that delicious garlic chicken, you might be looking for ways to adapt the recipe for a low-carb diet.
Instead of breadcrumbs, I love using crushed pork rinds or almond flour for that crispy coating. You can also skip the egg yolks and use a bit of heavy cream to help the coating stick.
For added flavor, try mixing in some Italian herbs or spices like paprika.
If you want to up the veggie intake, serve it over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
These simple swaps keep the essence of garlic chicken while staying low-carb!
What to Serve with Garlic Chicken
When planning what to serve with garlic chicken, I often consider sides that complement its rich flavors without overwhelming them.
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts bring a nice crunch and balance. A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness.
I also love serving garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, as they soak up the delicious sauce. For a grain option, quinoa or couscous offers a nutty flavor that pairs well.
Finally, some crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce. These sides elevate the meal without stealing the spotlight from the chicken!
Additional Tips To Decrease Calories
While serving garlic chicken with delicious sides can enhance the meal, it’s also possible to make this dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
I’ve found that using olive oil instead of butter can cut calories considerably while still adding richness. You can also try using whole grain breadcrumbs or even almond flour for a healthier coating.
Reducing the amount of cheese or using a lower-fat version can help, too. Don’t forget to load up on veggies as sides; they’re low in calories and high in nutrients.
With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a lighter garlic chicken masterpiece!