Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken breasts are bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, then baked to juicy perfection. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe offers delicious comfort with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and tender results.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley until well combined and fragrant.
- Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each breast, making sure they are well coated.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is ideal.
- Step 6: For a crispy, golden top, switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning (optional).
- Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
- Step 8: Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier version, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream to the garlic butter mixture before baking.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley if available for a brighter flavor.
- To infuse more flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of rice to complete your meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but baking time will need to be increased to about 35-40 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?
No, broiling is optional and only recommended if you prefer a crispy, golden top. The chicken will still be delicious and fully cooked without this step.
PrintGarlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a savory garlic butter sauce, dried herbs, and a hint of paprika. Perfectly baked until golden and tender, this flavorful dish is easy to prepare and makes a delicious weeknight dinner or special meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: First, set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and perfectly tender chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme, adjusting to taste.
- Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and dried or fresh parsley. Mix well until fragrant and evenly blended.
- Assemble in a Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each breast, coating thoroughly to infuse flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until no longer pink inside and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer if available.
- Broil for a Perfect Finish (Optional): For a crispy golden top, switch the oven to broil mode for 2-3 minutes at the end, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Let it Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to lock in juices and maintain moisture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, optionally with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your flavorful garlic butter baked chicken breast!
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning improves flavor adherence.
- Using fresh herbs can enhance the freshness but dried herbs work perfectly well.
- Internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures safe and juicy chicken.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a lovely crispy finish.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking keeps it moist and tender.
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, oven baked chicken, dinner recipe
