Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that infuses every bite with incredible flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the richness of melted butter, the zing of fresh garlic, and the delicate herbal notes of parsley and thyme. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might be humble, but each one plays an essential role in making your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast irresistible. From the butter’s creamy richness to the gentle warmth of paprika, every component comes together perfectly to elevate the chicken.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, these provide a lean, tender base that’s perfect for soaking up all the buttery garlic goodness.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist while adding a velvety texture to the sauce.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that’s bold yet comforting, the heart of the recipe.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley): Offers a fresh, slightly peppery herbal note to brighten the dish.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Gives a subtle, earthy depth and complements the garlic beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a mild smokiness and lovely color that makes the chicken even more appealing.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors perfectly.
• Optional: lemon wedges for serving: A burst of citrus brightness to add a fresh finish when ready to eat.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is simple but crucial; it helps the seasoning stick better and the chicken to brown nicely instead of steaming.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed in the buttery base. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each chicken breast on both sides with this aromatic mixture. This seasoning layer is what makes our Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast so irresistible.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated chicken breasts in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour any remaining garlic butter mixture over the top to ensure every inch of the chicken soaks in the flavor. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll know the chicken is perfectly cooked when it’s juicy and tender but not dry.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and full of flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like sprigs of parsley or thyme sprinkled on top lend a burst of color and subtle freshness. For a pop of brightness, squeeze a little lemon juice over the chicken just before serving. That citrusy lift cuts through the richness beautifully and adds that lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the buttery sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, or a vibrant green salad for a lighter balance. Steamed rice or crusty bread is fantastic too, perfect for mopping up every last bit of garlic butter.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress things up, try slicing the chicken and serving it over a bed of sautéed spinach or tossing it into a warm grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce. You can even shred the leftovers for hearty garlic chicken sandwiches or wraps the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cool the chicken completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 3 days. The garlic butter flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast by wrapping each breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, consume frozen chicken within 2 months. When thawed, it retains much of its original juicy texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the chicken from drying out, and consider adding a little extra melted butter or a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat. They stay juicy and flavorful, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses simple whole ingredients without any added gluten-containing products.

Can I increase the garlic for a stronger flavor?

Feel free to add more garlic if you love a robust garlic punch. Just keep in mind that raw garlic can sometimes become bitter if overcooked, so mincing finely helps it incorporate smoothly into the butter sauce.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly here, as the recipe calls for, and actually intensify during baking. If you want fresh herbs, add them after baking for a more vibrant and delicate flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, though butter brings a special richness to the dish. For dairy-free versions, just use olive oil and make sure your seasoning is adjusted to keep the flavor balanced.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the way garlic and butter marry together in this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your rotation. If you haven’t tried baking chicken this way before, now is the perfect time to dive in and savor the magic. Your taste buds will thank you!

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