This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a real crowd-pleaser! Juicy chicken, coated in buttery garlic goodness, will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
It’s super easy to whip up—just mix garlic with butter, pour over the chicken, and let the oven do its magic. Yum, who can resist that? I love serving it with rice or veggies for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish due to their quick cooking time. If you have thighs on hand or prefer dark meat, they work wonderfully too but may need a bit more cooking time.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for better flavor control, but you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just be mindful of how much extra salt you add to the chicken.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can do the trick. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of the fresh cloves.
Herbs: I like using dried thyme and parsley for their easy availability. Fresh herbs can be substituted for a brighter taste—just double the amount of fresh thyme or parsley if you have it.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by patting the chicken dry; this helps the seasoning stick better.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat, yet still tender.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, making each bite more succulent.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare, and around 20-25 minutes to bake, plus a little time for resting. You can have a delicious, home-cooked dinner on the table in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Next, take the chicken breasts and pat them dry using paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better. Season both sides of each breast generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste!
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley (or fresh parsley if you’re using that). Mix it all together until it’s well combined and fragrant.
4. Assemble in a Baking Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Carefully pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure they are nicely coated to soak in all the flavors!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Put the baking dish in your oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want to cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the middle and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you have a meat thermometer, it’s super handy to use!
6. Broil for a Perfect Finish (Optional):
If you love a crispy, golden top, switch your oven to broil mode for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Let it Rest:
After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps lock in the juices, keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your garlic butter baked chicken warm. Lemon wedges on the side add a refreshing touch. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Bon appétit! You’ve just whipped up a mouth-watering Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast! 🍗
FAQ for Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, but you should thaw them completely before cooking. The safest way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for the Butter?
If you want a healthier option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil works well and adds a subtle flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add some veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers to the baking dish. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking, and they can be drizzled with a bit of garlic butter too!
