Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a delightful dish that combines the richness of buttery goodness with the aromatic warmth of garlic. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors that creates a wonderfully moist chicken that’s simply irresistible. Picture this: tender chicken breasts infused with buttery garlic essence, each bite bursting with flavor. This dish stands out as a great option for dinner, a gathering, or even a simple weeknight meal. Who needs takeout when you can create something this comforting and satisfying at home?

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
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

I remember the first time I made Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast. It was a rainy day, and the cozy aroma that filled my kitchen made me feel warm inside. My friends and family couldn’t get enough of it! It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and most importantly—everyone loves it. So, if you’re ready to impress your loved ones or just indulge your taste buds, I wholeheartedly invite you to give this recipe a try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to eat in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Irresistible Flavor: Butter and garlic blend together perfectly for rich, savory taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown chicken garnished with fresh parsley looks stunning on any plate.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, meal prep, or even as a protein-packed lunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust for gluten-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 chicken breasts: Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for the best results, as they cook evenly and retain moisture. You can substitute with thighs if desired for a richer flavor.
4 tablespoons butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level in your dish. For a lighter version, consider olive oil.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings an intense flavor that dried versions can’t match, enhancing the overall taste.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and beautiful color; smoked paprika can give an extra depth.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the chicken and garlic.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish. You can use basil or thyme for a different twist.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a perfectly cooked chicken that’s juicy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.

Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and stir for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. The warmth releases the garlic’s aromatic oils, which will flavor the chicken beautifully.

Prepare the chicken: Arrange the 4 chicken breasts in a baking dish. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this can affect cooking time.

Pour the garlic butter: Drizzle the melted garlic butter over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. This step is crucial for adding that incredible buttery flavor to every bite.

Season generously: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal. Patting the seasoning into the meat helps it adhere better.

Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. You can check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part; it should read 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will fill with delicious aromas during this time!

Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This little touch brightens the dish and make it look restaurant-worthy.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, let it cool to room temperature then place it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for up to 2 hours, and in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. The texture may change slightly, but a splash of chicken broth can help retain moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by keeping an eye on the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
For juicier chicken, let the chicken breasts sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
You can marinate the chicken in garlic butter for a few hours or overnight for an even deeper flavor.
If you’re making this as a meal prep option, slice the chicken after cooking for easy serving and packing.
Consider using a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a beautiful dish that combines simplicity and flavor in a way that excites everyone at the table. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with side dishes like steamed vegetables or fluffy rice, making it a versatile meal that works for all occasions. Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings or sides to make it your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield an even juicier result due to their higher fat content. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the desired doneness.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or breadcrumbs. Just make sure that any additional ingredients, like sauces, are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can definitely prepare the garlic butter and season the chicken in advance. Just store everything covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. It can make dinner even simpler!

What sides pair well with this chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to add balance and flavor. Each adds something special to the meal!

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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: N/A
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken cooked in rich garlic butter. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for a comforting dinner that impresses!

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).
Melt the butter in a small saucepan 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 of the chicken.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the garlic butter for 30 minutes before baking.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.