Bremer garlic chicken is a delicious baked chicken dish that is full of flavor. It gets its name from the generous amount of garlic that is used to season the chicken. Garlic lovers will especially enjoy this recipe! The chicken is coated in a homemade garlic butter mixture before baking which helps keep it extremely moist and infuses it with garlic flavor. It’s a simple dinner option that can be made for the whole family. If you are looking for a new chicken recipe to add to your regular rotation, Bremer garlic chicken is a must try!
What Is Bremer Garlic Chicken?
Bremer garlic chicken is a baked chicken dish that originated in the Midwestern United States. It features chicken that is coated in a homemade garlic butter mixture before baking. This helps keep the chicken very moist and tender and also infuses it with a ton of garlic flavor. The garlic butter mixture contains ingredients like butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, paprika, and lemon. These all combine to give the chicken a wonderful garlicky and buttery flavor. The chicken emerges from the oven beautifully golden brown on the outside but juicy and flavorful on the inside. It’s a simple chicken recipe but it packs a ton of flavor.
Benefits of Bremer Garlic Chicken
There are many benefits to making Bremer garlic chicken:
- It’s incredibly flavorful – the garlic butter mixture gives the chicken an amazing garlicky flavor.
- It’s very moist and tender – the garlic butter mixture keeps the chicken extremely moist as it bakes.
- It’s easy to make – the recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
- It works for a crowd – this recipe can easily be doubled to feed a large family or group.
- Kids love it – the mild garlicky flavor appeals to kids’ palates.
- It’s budget-friendly – chicken and pantry staples like garlic and butter make this an affordable option.
- It’s versatile – serve Bremer garlic chicken with rice, potatoes, pasta, or salad.
As you can see, Bremer garlic chicken offers maximum flavor for minimal effort. Let’s go over how to make this fantastic garlic chicken recipe at home.
Ingredients Needed
Bremer garlic chicken uses just a few simple ingredients. Here is what you will need:
For the garlic butter mixture:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the chicken:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and pepper
That’s it! As you can see, the ingredient list is short. The most important item is the butter, which will keep the chicken ultra moist and tender. Let’s go over the simple steps for making this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for making foolproof Bremer garlic chicken:
Step 1: Make the garlic butter mixture
– In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
– Mash and stir together until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
– Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season all over with kosher salt and pepper.
Step 3: Coat chicken with garlic butter
– Use a spoon or your hands to coat each chicken thigh all over with the garlic butter mixture, using it all up.
Step 4: Bake chicken
– Place chicken in a baking dish and bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, until completely cooked through and browned.
– Baste chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.
– Chicken is done when it registers 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Finish and serve
– Once chicken is cooked, remove pan from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
– Serve chicken warm with any pan juices spooned over the top.
– Pair with rice, potatoes, or vegetables. Enjoy!
Tips for Making Perfect Bremer Garlic Chicken
Here are some top tips to ensure your Bremer garlic chicken comes out moist and flavorful every time:
- Don’t skimp on the garlic! The generous amount of garlic is key for flavor.
- Make sure to coat the chicken very thoroughly with the garlic butter.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for ideal flavor and moisture.
- Bake in a single layer in a baking dish so the butter doesn’t burn.
- Baste the chicken halfway through baking to prevent drying out.
- Allow chicken to rest before serving so juices redistribute.
- Serve any pan juices over the chicken to keep it extra moist.
- Stick to the baking time recommended, as overcooked chicken will be dry.
Following these tips will ensure you end up with tender, garlicky, and flavorful chicken every time you make this recipe.
Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted:
- Use bone-in chicken breasts or a whole cut-up chicken – just adjust baking time as needed.
- Try other herbs – rosemary, sage, or thyme would all be delicious.
- Add red pepper flakes – for extra heat and kick.
- Use margarine – if you want a dairy-free option.
- Coat in mayonnaise – for an even richer flavor.
- Marinate overnight – to really amp up the garlic flavor.
- Use a roasting pan – for larger batches or whole chickens.
- Finish on the grill – get crispy char marks by grilling briefly after baking.
Feel free to get creative and make this garlic chicken your own!
Serving Suggestions
Bremer garlic chicken pairs well with so many sides:
- Rice – white, brown, or wild rice
- Potatoes – baked, mashed, or roasted
- Pasta – buttery noodles or couscous
- Bread – for dipping in the pan juices
- Salad greens – spinach, kale, mixed greens
- Roasted vegetables – like broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts
- Sautéed green beans
- Creamed spinach or kale
You really can’t go wrong – this chicken tastes fantastic with just about any side dish. A simple green salad or baked potato makes an easy, filling meal.
Storage
Leftover Bremer garlic chicken keeps well:
- Refrigerator – Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze in air-tight bags or container up to 4 months.
The garlic flavor will intensify as it sits. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Get answers to some common questions about making this garlic chicken recipe:
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
It’s best to use fresh garlic for the most authentic flavor. Garlic powder will work in a pinch but the flavor won’t be as robust.
Can I bake it without the skin?
You can bake it without the skin but the chicken may end up a bit drier. The skin helps keep the meat moist.
What if I don’t have dried oregano or paprika?
If you don’t have those spices on hand, you can leave them out – the chicken will still be delicious.
Do I really need to coat it with all the garlic butter?
Yes, it’s important to coat the chicken fully with the garlic butter mixture to ensure it stays moist and absorbs the flavors.
What sides go best with this chicken?
Rice, roasted vegetables, and salad are classic pairings. But you can also serve it with just about any of your favorite sides.
Conclusion
Bremer garlic chicken is a simple yet extremely flavorful baked chicken recipe that the whole family will love. The magic is in the homemade garlic butter that coats the chicken before roasting. This infuses the meat with amazing garlic flavor and keeps it incredibly moist and tender. While the prep is easy, the end result is chicken with restaurant-worthy taste. Crispy, juicy garlic chicken in under an hour – what could be better? So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this easy roasted chicken recipe that you’ll want to make over and over again.
