There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of garlic chicken filling your kitchen. When I first tried Voila’s Garlic Chicken, I was hooked by its perfect blend of savory flavors and tender meat. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pound to even thickness for uniform cooking
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Tools And Equipment
To master the Voila Garlic Chicken copycat recipe, I rely on these essential tools and equipment:
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
I use these for prepping and pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements of olive oil, spices, and other ingredients are crucial for balancing flavors.
- Mixing Bowls
These are perfect for combining the marinade ingredients before coating the chicken.
- Cast-Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan
A sturdy skillet ensures even heat distribution, allowing for perfectly seared chicken with a crispy exterior.
- Tongs
I use tongs to safely flip the chicken without piercing it, keeping the juices locked in.
- Whisk
This helps me blend the marinade ingredients smoothly for a consistent flavor profile.
- Cooking Thermometer
To ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F, a thermometer is indispensable.
- Serving Platter
Presenting the garlic chicken on a beautiful platter makes the dish as appealing visually as it is delicious.
- Aluminum Foil
Covering the chicken while resting keeps it warm and allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Having these tools on hand makes the cooking process seamless and ensures your Voila Garlic Chicken turns out restaurant-quality every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Voila Garlic Chicken ahead of time not only saves you time on busy days but also enhances the flavors as the chicken marinates. Here’s how I ensure my dish is perfectly prepared in advance:
Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Whisk until well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Storage Options
| Storage Method | Timeframe | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Keep the marinated chicken in an airtight container. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freeze the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag. |
Thawing Frozen Chicken
- Refrigerator Thawing: Transfer the frozen chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw overnight for even and safe defrosting.
- Quick Thaw: If you’re short on time, place the frozen chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Cooking from Make-Ahead
- Preheat Your Skillet: When ready to cook, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Reheating Leftovers
- Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the leftover chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until heated through.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until warmed.
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy delicious Voila Garlic Chicken with minimal effort, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or planning a special dinner.
Directions
Let’s dive into creating this delicious Voila Garlic Chicken. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal.
Prep The Chicken
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board. |
| 2 | Using a meat mallet, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about ½ inch for uniform cooking. |
| 3 | In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. |
| 4 | Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. |
| 5 | Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse. |
Cook The Chicken
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot. |
| 2 | Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking. |
| 3 | Place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking each side for about 6-7 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. |
| 4 | Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption. |
| 5 | Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce. |
Prepare The Garlic Sauce
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves. |
| 2 | Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. |
| 3 | Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. |
| 4 | Add the juice of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. |
| 5 | Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed. |
| 6 |
Drizzle the garlic sauce over the cooked chicken breasts and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Elevating your Voila Garlic Chicken is all about pairing it with complementary sides and creating a balanced, flavorful meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this delicious dish:
Classic Sides
- Roasted Vegetables
- Toss broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of paprika. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Boil Yukon Gold potatoes until fork-tender. Mash with butter, cream, salt, and a touch of garlic powder for a rich, smooth texture.
- Steamed Rice
- A simple jasmine or basmati rice pairs perfectly, absorbing the garlic sauce and adding a light, fluffy element to the meal.
Fresh and Light Options
- Garden Salad
- Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the savory chicken flavors.
- Quinoa Salad
- Mix cooked quinoa with diced vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing for a protein-packed side that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Bread and Grains
- Garlic Bread
- Spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley on sliced baguette. Toast until golden brown for a crunchy, flavorful accompaniment.
- Couscous Pilaf
- Prepare couscous with vegetable broth and mix in sautéed onions, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Garnishes and Extras
- Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the chicken to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Lemon Slices
- Serve with lemon wedges for an extra tang that enhances the garlic flavors.
Beverage Pairings
- White Wine
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay complements the garlic and lemon notes of the chicken.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon
- For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon keeps the palate refreshed.
Presentation Tips
- Plating
- Arrange the chicken on a large, warm serving platter. Surround with your chosen sides for a visually appealing spread.
- Sauce Drizzle
- Use a spoon to artistically drizzle the garlic sauce over the chicken and around the plate for an elegant touch.
By thoughtfully selecting sides and garnishes, you can transform your Voila Garlic Chicken into a memorable meal that’s both satisfying and visually stunning.
Tips And Tricks
Mastering the Voila Garlic Chicken copycat recipe is all about attention to detail and a few insider techniques. Here are my top tips to ensure your dish is flavorful, juicy, and restaurant-quality every time:
1. Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor
Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight intensifies the garlic and herb flavors, ensuring each bite is deliciously seasoned.
2. Pound Chicken to an Even Thickness
Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick. This promotes even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out.
3. Use Fresh Garlic for a Robust Taste
Fresh garlic cloves provide a more vibrant and pungent flavor compared to garlic powder. Mince them finely to evenly distribute the taste throughout the marinade.
4. Choose a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet
A cast-iron skillet retains heat beautifully, giving the chicken a perfect golden sear while keeping it juicy inside.
5. Monitor Cooking Temperature
Invest in a good meat thermometer. Cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures it’s safe to eat while remaining tender.
6. Deglaze the Pan for a Richer Sauce
After searing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with chicken broth or white wine. This lifts the flavorful browned bits from the pan, enriching your garlic sauce.
7. Adjust Spice Levels to Your Preference
Modify the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe to control the heat. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
8. Incorporate Fresh Herbs for Brightness
Adding freshly chopped parsley or thyme just before serving adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich garlic flavors.
9. Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving
Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes under aluminum foil helps retain its juices, making each slice more succulent.
10. Enhance Presentation with Lemon Slices
Garnishing with lemon slices not only adds a pop of color but also provides a zesty contrast to the savory garlic sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions and Adjustments
| Ingredient | Substitution Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Garlic | Garlic powder | Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder per 3 cloves |
| Chicken Breasts | Chicken thighs | Thighs are juicier but may take longer to cook |
| Olive Oil | Avocado oil or canola oil | For a lighter flavor |
| Fresh Parsley | Dried parsley | Use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated |
Conclusion
Making Voila Garlic Chicken at home has been such a rewarding experience for me. The flavors come together beautifully and it’s always a hit with family and friends. I love how versatile this dish is, fitting perfectly into any meal plan whether you’re busy on a weekday or hosting a special dinner.
Trying out this copycat recipe has not only saved me time but also allowed me to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving my kitchen. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
