Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a dish that speaks to anyone fond of simple yet flavorful meals. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts drizzled with a decadent garlic butter sauce that not only enhances the natural flavors of the chicken but also envelops your kitchen in an irresistible aroma. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of rich flavor and succulent texture, truly embodying comfort food at its finest.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

My first encounter with this fantastic recipe was during a cozy dinner gathering. With a limited budget and time constraint, I needed a dish that would impress my friends without exhausting my energy. As soon as the chicken hit the oven, the smell wafted around, making it hard for my guests to resist gathering around the kitchen. This dish is not just easy and quick to throw together; it also turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary experience. You’ll want to try Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast for your next family meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, including prep time—perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of garlic and butter creates a savory richness that’s hard to beat.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant golden color and fresh parsley garnish make this dish a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep; pack leftovers for lunch!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt it to fit low-carb or gluten-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 chicken breasts: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts for tenderness and ease of cooking. You can substitute with thighs for more flavor.
4 tablespoons butter: Use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness. If you prefer a lighter option, olive oil can be used instead.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an irresistible flavor. Garlic powder could be an alternative, but fresh is best!
1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a nice color and a hint of smokiness. Smoked paprika can intensify the flavor even further.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for elevating the natural taste of the chicken. Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper work best.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds color but also a fresh, herbal note.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly, resulting in juicy, tender meat.

Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to brown the garlic, which could make it bitter.

Prepare the Chicken: Arrange 4 chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the warm garlic butter mixture over the chicken, allowing it to seep into the meat. This infuses every bite with delicious flavor.

Season Generously: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste on top of the chicken. This applies an extra layer of flavor and ensures a balanced taste.

Bake to Perfection: Place your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until it is cooked through and the juices run clear. You can check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Garnish and Serve: Finally, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to bring a pop of color and freshness to the plate.

Storing & Reheating

To store Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for a maximum of 3 months. When reheating, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Note that the texture may change slightly, but a drizzle of fresh melted butter before serving can refresh it beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
A common mistake is overcooking the chicken; using a meat thermometer helps avoid this.
If you want to elevate the flavor profile, consider marinating the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for a few hours beforehand.
For a touch of brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
You can also mix in vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to roast alongside the chicken for a complete meal.

This dish sings with simplicity and flavor, perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions. Embrace the garlic buttery goodness and feel free to experiment with the spices or sides to match your taste! Whether it’s served alongside a hearty salad or some fluffy rice, Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast promises satisfaction in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more flavor and are less likely to dry out than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may need a couple of extra minutes in the oven.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken with the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, and it’ll taste great!

What sides go well with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Feel free to get creative with your pairings!

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the chicken to check if the juices run clear.

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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a simple, yet delicious dish that pairs chicken breasts with unmatchable garlic and butter flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or healthy meal!

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter over them.
Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper on top.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking that juices run clear.
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.