Hey there, kitchen warriors! If you’ve ever grabbed a bag of Voila Garlic Chicken from the freezer aisle for a quick dinner fix, you know it’s a lifesaver on crazy busy nights. But let’s be real—after a few rounds, that same ol’ garlic sauce and frozen veggie mix can start feelin’ a bit… meh. Don’t worry, though! I’ve been tinkering with this dish for years, and I’m here to share how I spice up Voila Garlic Chicken and take it from boring to straight-up sensational. Stick with me, and we’ll transform this frozen meal into somethin’ your fam will be begging for again and again.
I’m gonna break this down into easy, actionable ideas that even a rookie cook can pull off We’re talkin’ fresh flavors, cool tricks, and ways to make this dish your own Whether you wanna add some heat, switch up the vibes, or just make it taste less “frozen,” I gotchu. Let’s dive right in and get that garlic chicken poppin’!
Why Voila Garlic Chicken Needs a Glow-Up
Before we get to the good stuff let’s chat about why this dish might need a lil’ help. Voila Garlic Chicken is awesome for its convenience—chicken pasta, and veggies all in one bag with a garlicky sauce. Dump it in a skillet, and boom, dinner’s done. But the pre-made sauce can feel flat after a while, and them frozen veggies lose their pizzazz. I’ve had nights where I’m just starin’ at the plate like, “Man, I need more than this.” That’s where a few tweaks can change the game. With some simple add-ins and hacks, you’ll be turnin’ heads at the dinner table.
1. Start with Fresh Vibes – Ingredients Matter
First things first, let’s upgrade the base. I always try to toss in some high-quality, fresh stuff whenever I can. Yeah, the bag comes with veggies, but they ain’t always the crispiest. Here’s how I freshen it up:
- Swap in Fresh Veggies: Instead of relying just on the frozen carrots and corn, I grab some fresh broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas from the fridge. They add a nice crunch and brighter taste. Red bell peppers are my fave—they bring color and a sweet kick.
- Quality Chicken Check: If I’ve got extra time, I might even sear some fresh chicken breasts separate and mix ‘em in. Look for chicken that ain’t got weird smells or funky colors—freshness is key.
- Why It Works: Fresh ingredients just taste better, plain and simple. They make the whole dish feel less like a freezer meal and more like somethin’ I whipped up from scratch.
Pro tip: Don’t overcook them fresh veggies. Toss ‘em in near the end so they stay crisp and don’t turn to mush. Trust me, texture is everything!
2. Flavor Blast with Herbs and Spices
One of the easiest ways to kick Voila Garlic Chicken up a notch is with herbs and spices. I’m tellin’ ya, a lil’ sprinkle can go a long way. Here’s what I do:
- Fresh Herbs for the Win: Chop up some parsley, basil, or cilantro and toss it in at the end. It adds a burst of color and freshness that’ll wake up your taste buds.
- Spice It Up: I love mixin’ in spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne if I’m feelin’ feisty. They give depth and a lil’ heat to that garlic base.
- My Go-To Blend: I got this combo I swear by—
Skin-On vs. Skinless Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs can also be purchased with the skin on or removed. But whether or not there is skin does not impact the Instant Pot cook times.
Skinless chicken thighs take the same amount of time as skin-on, typically 10-12 minutes for bone-in and 8-10 minutes for boneless.
Browning the skin first is recommended for better flavor and texture, but does not affect cooking time. Simply sauté the skin before pressure cooking.
So the presence of skin on the chicken thighs does not change how long to cook them in the Instant Pot. Use the same timing for skinless as you would for skin-on.
Fresh vs. Frozen Chicken Thighs
One of the major benefits of using an Instant Pot is you can cook frozen chicken thighs with no need to thaw them first. However, frozen chicken does require a bit more time under pressure.
It takes 10 to 12 minutes on high pressure to cook fresh chicken thighs. Fresh thighs with and without bones may need a few more minutes to cook together.
For frozen chicken thighs increase the cook time to 12-15 minutes to ensure the chicken fully cooks through. Going over 15 minutes risks drying out the chicken.
So always add two to three minutes more time when cooking frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot for the best results.
How to Cook Voila Garlic Chicken
FAQ
How to make garlic chicken pasta?
Garlic Chicken Pasta – Voila CopyCat recipe! A simple pasta dish packed with broccoli, carrots, sweet corn, and a delectable garlic sauce. Prepare the fusilli according to the package instructions. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown the diced chicken in 2 tbsp of olive oil. Turn the heat to medium low and add the garlic and shallots.
Can you cook garlic chicken in the microwave?
It’s a mixture of chicken, pasta, and an array of veggies, in a delicious garlic sauce. It can be cooked in a skillet, or in the microwave – making it super easy to prepare this dish. The best part about this garlic chicken is that it contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
What is Birds Eye garlic chicken?
To put it simply, Birds Eye garlic chicken is a frozen meal that is ideal for all members of the family. It’s a mixture of chicken, pasta, and an array of veggies, in a delicious garlic sauce. It can be cooked in a skillet, or in the microwave – making it super easy to prepare this dish.
How to make chicken voila taste better?
I add ranch seasoning, some half and half, a handful of shredded cheese, and some extra frozen veggies (random/whatever we have). I add tuna because there’s barely any chicken in them, and then sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Better than bouillon chicken, chicken, veggies, heavy cream, cheese.
How to spice up pre-cooked chicken?
How to season a chicken with garlic?
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, seasoning salt, and onion powder. Sauté until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear, about 7 to 10 minutes on each side.
Are voila skillet meals good?