Name: Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional); lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Say hello to your new weeknight hero: Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is the ultimate answer for anyone craving juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal fuss. The secret lies in a dreamy combination of rich butter, aromatic garlic, and just the right sprinkle of herbs and spices, turning everyday chicken into a golden, mouthwatering main course. Whether you’re gathering your family around the table or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe serves up a burst of flavor with no stress—plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and pairs beautifully with almost any side.

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simplicity meeting serious flavor! You only need a few staple ingredients to whip up Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, and each one plays an essential part in building irresistible aroma, tenderness, and that signature golden gloss.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, soaking up all the goodness and staying juicy with proper baking.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds rich flavor and helps the seasonings adhere to every nook of the chicken.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that iconic, savory punch—don’t be shy!
Italian seasoning: This herb blend weaves subtle complexity into the marinade.
Paprika: Not just for color, paprika adds a hint of smokiness that’s irresistible.
Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors to the surface—season confidently.
Black pepper: Just enough cracked black pepper for a gentle heat and balance.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley offers bright color and a fresh finish.
Lemon wedges (optional): Squeeze over before serving for a lively, zesty kick.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a swipe of oil or nonstick spray—this will help the Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast easily lift up after baking, ensuring you don’t lose a drop of that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Magic

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture should smell absolutely incredible! Each element melts into the next, promising marvelous flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Arrange the chicken breasts snugly in your prepared dish. Brush that velvety garlic butter mixture generously over each chicken piece, making sure to coat both the top and bottom. A good, even coating guarantees every forkful is packed with buttery, garlicky deliciousness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). About halfway through, baste the chicken with the pan juices—this little extra effort amps up the moisture and flavor, almost guaranteeing a tender final result.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every chicken breast succulent. Finish with a shower of chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges for a bright, finishing touch.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley goes a long way here, adding a pop of green and lightness to your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast. For extra zing, offer lemon wedges at the table so everyone can spritz their portion just how they like it.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, try pairing with fluffy rice, tender steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles also make fabulous accompaniments that sop up the garlicky pan juices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinly slice leftover Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast and tuck into wraps, sandwiches, or over grain bowls for an easy next-day lunch. For parties, slice and serve on a platter as finger food—watch it disappear in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bold garlic butter flavors deepen overnight, making the chicken even more delicious for future meals.

Freezing

Freezing is a breeze! Wrap cooled Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep wonderfully for up to three months—perfect for quick dinners on busy nights.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts. Add a drizzle of leftover pan juice or a splash of broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully with this recipe. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on their size, but the same flavors will shine through.

How do I keep chicken breast from drying out?

Basting the chicken halfway through baking and allowing it to rest after cooking both help ensure juicy, tender results. Also, avoid overbaking—the internal temp should just reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for several hours. When ready to cook, simply let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast holds up well in the fridge and can be used in salads, grain bowls, or wraps throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.

How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer—the thickest part should read 165°F (74°C). Clear juices and a white, opaque interior are additional signs it’s done.

Final Thoughts

Give this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast a try and you’ll see how effortless and rewarding homemade comfort food can be. Flavorful, tender, and endlessly versatile, it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite!

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a flavorful and easy way to prepare juicy chicken breasts in the oven. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a delicious coating that keeps the chicken moist and tender.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Garlic Butter Mixture:

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish:

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Mix Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over each piece, coating both sides.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting with pan juices halfway through.
Rest and Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.