Garlic is a staple ingredient that transforms any dish with its bold, aromatic flavor. These 19 garlic-infused main meal recipes are perfect for those who love this versatile ingredient. Whether you’re cooking up a comforting classic or trying something new, these dishes showcase garlic at its finest, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciously rich flavor.

Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This rustic French dish is a garlic lover’s dream. Juicy chicken is slow-roasted with whole cloves of garlic that soften into a buttery, caramelized treasure. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Crispy Chicken with Garlic Panko Crust

Crispy Chicken with Garlic Panko Crust. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Get the best of crunch and flavor! Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy, garlicky panko crumb while staying tender inside. It’s quick, easy, and sure to win over even picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Garlic Panko Crust

Soy Garlic Chicken

Soy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This recipe combines sweet soy sauce with the kick of garlic for a sticky, flavorful glaze. Whether served over rice or enjoyed on its own, this dish balances savory and sweet like a pro.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Chicken

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buttery, garlicky shrimp team up with al dente pasta to create a dish that’s rich, simple, and restaurant-worthy. Twirl your fork around this bowl of goodness for a meal that satisfies in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This dish is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor. Made in an Instant Pot, honey gives this chicken its sweetness while garlic and soy sauce add depth. Serve with steamed rice for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender, slow-cooked chicken meets honey and garlic for a melt-in-your-mouth meal. The beauty? Your slow cooker does all the work while you sit back and relax.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thick, chewy bucatini noodles are tossed in a garlicky olive oil sauce and topped with jumbo shrimp. It’s simple yet indulgent and perfect for when you’re craving something extra special for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick, flavorful, and easy to make, this dish delivers tender chicken bites coated with plenty of garlic and herbs. All you need is one skillet and 20 minutes to have it on the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled chicken with cilantro crema on a white plate surrounded by limes, cilantro, and a glass of beer.
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Zesty lime pairs with garlicky grilled chicken for a fresh and vibrant meal. Topped with a cool cilantro crema, this dish screams flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings

Chicken wings with garlic and Parmesan on a white plate.
Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Game night just got a whole lot better! These wings are smoked to perfection, coated in a garlic-parmesan sauce, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You’ll need extra napkins for this one.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings

Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

A white plate with garlic steak bites and mushrooms on it.
Garlic Steak & Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Tender, juicy steak is paired with buttery garlic mushrooms in this hearty, satisfying dish. It’s a no-fuss meal that feels elevated without any of the effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Black plate of chicken with asparagus.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

These juicy chicken bites are coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s finger-licking delicious. Serve them over rice, veggies, or just eat them straight out of the skillet (we won’t judge!).
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter on a plate with asparagus.
Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Take your steak game up a notch with this reverse-seared masterpiece. Smoked garlic butter adds rich, smoky flavor to every bite, cementing this dish as a must-try for steak lovers.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Browned Butter Honey Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp with lemon wedges in a red sauce in a white casserole dish.
Browned Butter Honey Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

The nutty aroma of browned butter pairs beautifully with sweet honey and bold garlic in this shrimp dish. It’s the ultimate combination of rich, caramelized flavors.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Honey Garlic Shrimp

Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

A fast and easy plate of pasta with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Bright and zesty, this pasta dish combines lemony freshness with the bold, rich taste of garlic butter. Light yet satisfying, it’s a meal that’ll earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash

Cheesy stuffed squash filled with garlic and herbs.
Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Swap out pasta for spaghetti squash in this cheesy, garlicky dish that’s every bit as comforting as its carb-filled cousin. It’s indulgent, wholesome, and oh-so satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash

Honey Garlic Chicken Rollups

Vegetables wrapped in chicken cutlets in a skillet.
Honey Garlic Chicken Rollups. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Flavored with sweet honey and bold garlic, these rollups are packed with tender chicken wrapped in flatbread. It’s a fun twist on classic flavors that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken Rollups

Sticky Garlic Chicken Nuggets

A bowl of asian chicken in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Crispy, golden nuggets are coated in a sticky garlic sauce that’s equal parts sweet and savory. These nuggets are pure comfort food that will leave you licking your fingers clean.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Garlic Chicken Nuggets

Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

Asian glazed chicken in a skillet with lemon slices.
Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

If you’re craving a little heat, this dish delivers. Sweet honey tempers the spicy kick from sriracha, while garlic ties it all together in a saucy skillet meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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