This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is juicy and full of flavor! The buttery garlic sauce brings out the best in the chicken, making it a family favorite.
Seriously, who can resist that golden, buttery goodness? I often whip this up when I want a quick dinner that feels fancy. Serve it with veggies for a complete meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. You could try thighs for a juicier option or even use turkey cutlets if you prefer.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, olive oil works well, adding a nice flavor and healthier fat.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor that’s hard to beat! If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder as a quick substitute, but you’ll need much less—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Italian Seasoning: This blend brings herbs together nicely. Feel free to use your favorite herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil if you don’t have this on hand.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness! You can substitute with lime if you prefer that flavor, or even some vinegar if you’re out of citrus.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Is Juicy and Tender?
To keep your chicken juicy, the key is not to overcook it. First, pat the chicken dry to aid in browning. Season generously—this adds flavor throughout. Basting with garlic butter halfway through helps keep moisture locked in.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking; this stops the juices from running out when you cut it.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly baked chicken every time!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of around 35-40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet delicious enough for a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden finish.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and creates a nice crust when baked. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning for a flavorful base.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice (if you’re using it). The lemon juice adds a nice zing, but it’s optional if you prefer it without.
4. Assemble in Baking Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Now, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each breast, making sure they are well-coated. Remember to save a bit of the mixture for basting the chicken while it bakes.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Put the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
6. Baste for Extra Flavor:
About halfway through the baking time, open the oven and baste the chicken with the reserved garlic butter. This will help keep the chicken juicy and infuse more flavor.
7. Rest Before Serving:
When the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, making it even more tender.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter baked chicken breast!
This recipe yields tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with rich garlic butter flavor—perfect for a simple yet delicious meal!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
It’s best to thaw the chicken breasts completely before baking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten it up, you can use olive oil instead of butter and reduce the amount of seasoning salt. Adding plenty of fresh herbs can elevate the flavor while keeping things healthy!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
You can marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture a few hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This will save you time and elevate the flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
