Why Make This Recipe
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a simple and delicious dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. It combines juicy chicken with rich garlic butter and fresh herbs, making it a favorite for families and gatherings. The blend of flavors is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy nights or special occasions.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Making this flavorful dish is quick and straightforward. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, just some basic kitchen tools and fresh items from your grocery store.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove the butter from heat and stir in the thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with the olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are thoroughly covered.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of and around the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. The garlic butter sauce is also great for drizzling over mashed potatoes or pasta.
How to Store Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, heat it gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for a few hours before baking.
- If you want a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mix.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add other herbs or spices that you enjoy.
Variation
If you’re looking for a different twist, try adding some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish for a delicious one-pan meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts. Just be mindful that cooking time might vary slightly.
2. What can I substitute for butter?
You can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you want a lighter version.
3. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and delicious dish that combines juicy chicken with rich garlic butter and fresh herbs, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove the butter from heat and stir in the thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with the olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are thoroughly covered.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of and around the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for a few hours before baking. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add other herbs or spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: baked chicken, garlic butter, easy recipe, family dinner, comfort food