Oh, Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, how you’ve saved dinner a thousand times over! In the whirlwind of daily life, finding a dish that’s quick, easy, and downright delicious can often feel like catching lightning in a bottle. Luckily, this recipe hits all the marks. The best part? It’s as simple as it sounds, with no need for culinary gymnastics. It’s just you, some chicken, and a few magical ingredients.
Once you’ve mastered this dish, you might want to check out our Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken for another delightful option to brighten your weekly meal rotation.
Why you’ll love this recipe
I get it—there are a million chicken recipes out there. But this one’s got a secret weapon: garlic butter. You’ll love how it infuses every bite of the chicken with buttery goodness, making it irresistibly tender and juicy.
I remember attempting to impress the in-laws with an elaborate soufflé once, and recounting that episode is a mix of humor and horror. Let’s just say, Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast was the redemption dish that saved the day soon after. It’s fuss-free yet feels fancy. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that works equally well on a busy weeknight or for a cozy family dinner.
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
Step-by-step instructions
Prep your oven and season the chicken
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, take a moment to dry those chicken breasts with some paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
Make the magical garlic butter sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and your parsley of choice. Stir it up and try not to dunk bread right into it—I won’t judge if you do.
Ready, set, bake!
Place your seasoned chicken into a baking dish that can hold the juices. Pour the scrumptious garlic butter mixture over each piece. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that internal temperature to hit 165°F (74°C).
Optional step: Crank up the crispiness
If you’re all about the crispy edges like I am, switch your oven to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it, though!
Rest and serve
Once you pull the chicken out, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This waiting game allows the juices to redistribute, making for an even juicier outcome. Serve with lemon wedges if that’s your thing.
Recipe tips & variations
This recipe is forgiving, so feel free to tweak it to your taste. Swap out the thyme for rosemary, or throw in some chili flakes for heat. I love to add a hint of lemon zest into the butter for extra zing.
For those avoiding dairy, ghee or olive oil can replace the butter, and the dish will be just as divine.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in an oven preheated to 325°F (165°C) until warmed through. The quick pop in the microwave also works in a pinch, but you might lose a bit of crispness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Just cook them a little longer since thighs take more time.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic gives better flavor.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Season the chicken and make the garlic butter the day before, then bake it when ready.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is quick, easy, and delicious, featuring tender chicken infused with buttery garlic goodness.
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
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Dry the chicken breasts with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Stir well.
- Place the seasoned chicken into a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If desired, switch to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes for crispy edges.
- Let the chicken sit for about 5 minutes after baking before serving, optionally with lemon wedges.
Notes
- This recipe is forgiving—adjust herbs and add chili flakes for heat, or a hint of lemon zest for extra flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with ghee or olive oil.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg