If you’re craving a simple, flavorful, and juicy chicken dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is going to become your new go-to. Tender, moist chicken breasts are baked to perfection in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s infused with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs beautifully with virtually any side dish, from roasted vegetables to fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This recipe stands out because it transforms the often dry and bland chicken breast into a succulent, flavorful masterpiece. The secret lies in the garlic butter sauce — it keeps the chicken moist while adding layers of rich, savory goodness. Baking the chicken allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the result is a juicy, tender bite every time.
Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it’s also easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this recipe is both satisfying and convenient. It’s a perfect balance of comfort food and elegance, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
How To Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture — this helps the seasoning stick better.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. For extra flavor, you can spoon some of the sauce on top and around the chicken to baste during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Baking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired, then serve with your favorite sides.
Expert Tips
- Use room temperature chicken: Let the chicken breasts sit out for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Pound the chicken breasts: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Don’t skip the resting step: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken juicier and more flavorful.
- Check doneness with a thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; 165°F (75°C) is the safe internal temperature.
- Make extra garlic butter sauce: Reserve a little sauce to drizzle over the chicken when serving for extra flavor.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Twist: Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle kick.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the chicken in the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty topping.
- Creamy Version: After baking, spoon a little cream or coconut milk over the chicken and broil for 2-3 minutes for a creamy finish.
- Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter sauce for up to 12 hours before baking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover garlic butter baked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Leftover chicken can also be shredded and added to salads, wraps, or pasta dishes for quick and tasty meals.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts. If using frozen, make sure to thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking to ensure even cooking.
How can I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, not overcooking, and letting the chicken rest after baking are key steps to juicy chicken. The garlic butter sauce also helps keep the meat moist.
Can I prepare this recipe without butter?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free option. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What sides go well with garlic butter baked chicken breast?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad. The garlic butter sauce complements a wide variety of side dishes.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. Juicy, tender chicken infused with garlic, butter, fresh herbs, and lemon is a winning combination every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort. Keep this recipe in your culinary arsenal for a quick, delicious dinner that feels special and satisfying. Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- lemon slices optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture — this helps the seasoning stick better.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. For extra flavor, you can spoon some of the sauce on top and around the chicken to baste during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Baking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired, then serve with your favorite sides.
