Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is truly the definition of weeknight dinner magic—juicy, tender chicken wrapped in a fragrant cloak of golden garlic butter with hints of herbs and a hint of smoky paprika. This dish is as easy as it is irresistible, delivering big flavor with minimal effort. Best of all, you can bring it together in just over half an hour, making it the perfect answer for busy evenings when you want something homemade, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple: each ingredient has a starring role, and together they create pure weeknight dinner perfection. From the richness of butter to the brightness of a fresh lemon wedge, here’s what you’ll need to get the very best Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast every time.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the canvas for this recipe, soaking up all those delicious flavors while staying wonderfully moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting butter creates the base for our luscious sauce; it’s what makes the chicken so tender and gives that luxurious finish.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is a must—mince it finely for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Paprika: Adds beautiful color and an extra depth of flavor that complements the garlicky richness.
- Italian Seasoning: A quick way to add the perfect blend of herbs, bringing out the best in both garlic and chicken.
- Onion Powder: For a subtle savoriness that ties everything together without overpowering the dish.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the other flavors to life.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end keeps things bright and fresh.
- Lemon Wedges: Optional, but just a squeeze adds a pop of freshness that cuts through the rich butter beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing your baking dish. This will keep the chicken from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. A few spritzes of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter both work perfectly here. Little touches like this ensure even the simplest Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast comes out restaurant-worthy.
Step 2: Prepare and Arrange the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels—removing excess moisture helps the butter and seasonings really cling to the chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick on one side, give them a gentle pound to create an even thickness; this guarantees they’ll cook through at the same rate and stay juicy. Nestle the chicken into your greased baking dish so they fit snugly but don’t overlap.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with your minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until the mixture is fragrant and well blended—this is where the magic happens. The aroma alone will get your stomach rumbling!
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Breasts
Using a pastry brush (or even the back of a spoon), generously brush the garlic butter mixture over both sides of each chicken breast. Make sure you’re thorough—every nook and cranny should be coated in all those lovely flavors. If a bit of butter pools in the dish, even better—it will help baste the chicken as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake the chicken breasts for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you love a bit of extra browning and crispness, set your oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully so that golden garlic butter finish doesn’t burn—it should be bubbly and just kissed with color.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in right away. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute and each bite stays moist. Voluntarily relax for a few minutes, then finish with a lively sprinkle of fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for an optional tangy flourish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh, chopped parsley is both beautiful and flavorful, brightening up the whole plate. For that extra-special finish, lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a squeeze of acidity to balance the rich garlic butter. If you love cheese, try a modest sprinkle of shredded Parmesan right out of the oven—let it melt into the buttery sauce for absolute bliss.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is perfect alongside fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a mound of roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad is also a lovely, light companion. For a low-carb meal, pair with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens—the tender, flavorful chicken is the star either way.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over pasta with extra pan juices, or tuck it into a crusty sandwich roll with a bit of mozzarella for homemade garlic chicken subs. For an elegant touch, layer thin slices atop a salad and drizzle with the garlic butter from the pan. No matter how you serve it, Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast flexes to fit nearly any meal or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep a little of the extra garlic butter sauce with them to prevent drying out—you’ll thank yourself later!
Freezing
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast freezes well. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or gently microwave it with a spoonful of leftover garlic butter sauce. This helps recapture that original tenderness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are naturally juicy and work wonderfully with the garlic butter treatment. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take a few extra minutes to reach the safe internal temperature.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts before baking?
While not strictly required, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and stay nice and juicy. It’s a small extra step that can make a big difference in your finished Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix up the butter and seasonings a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature or gently reheat to melt before using, and assembly will be even quicker.
What can I do if my chicken breasts are very large?
If your chicken breasts are much larger than average, consider cutting them in half for more even cooking, or extend the baking time slightly. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure doneness.
How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for juices running clear (not pink) when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should feel firm but still springy to the touch. To be safe, though, a thermometer is always best for perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a meal that combines comfort and big flavor with barely any fuss, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast will quickly become your favorite too. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying dinner that delights every time, so don’t hesitate—give it a go, and revel in the garlicky, buttery goodness tonight!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful garlic butter mixture, then baked to juicy perfection. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in the baking dish.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Brush the garlic butter mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Broil for extra browning in the last 2–3 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to even thickness for more uniform cooking.
- Add Parmesan cheese during the last minutes of baking for extra flavor.
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