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If you’re craving a flavorful, juicy chicken dinner that’s bursting with rich, buttery garlic goodness, you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe. This dish strikes the perfect balance between easy weeknight cooking and impressive, mouthwatering taste. Tender chicken breasts soak up a luscious garlic butter sauce baked to perfection, creating a meal that’s simple yet utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, this recipe delivers comforting, elegant flavor with every tender bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three well-cooked chicken pieces arranged in a row inside a white rectangular dish. Each chicken piece has a golden-brown color with a slightly crispy surface, seasoned with chopped green herbs and small pieces of cooked onion scattered on top and around. The chicken sits in a creamy yellow sauce with specks of green herbs throughout, which pools around the base of each piece. The white marbled surface beneath the dish adds a clean, bright background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but pack a powerful punch in flavor and texture, ensuring your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe turns out sensational every time. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter that coats the chicken to the fresh garlic that awakens your senses.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, chosen for their lean meat and quick cooking time.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and carries the garlic flavor beautifully.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the chicken with bold, aromatic notes.
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley): Provides a subtle herbal freshness that brightens the dish.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds depth with its earthy, slightly minty flavor.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for perfectly balanced seasoning.
Optional lemon wedges for serving: A splash of citrus adds a refreshing contrast to the richness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy while getting a lovely golden finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry. This simple step allows the seasoning to stick better, enhancing flavor. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Feel free to tweak the seasoning to match your preference or try fresh herbs for an even brighter flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the minced garlic and dried parsley. Stir them well until fragrant and fully blended. This luxurious garlic butter will seep into the chicken, creating that signature savory taste you’ll fall in love with.

Step 4: Assemble in a Baking Dish

Place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly in your baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over each piece, making sure every breast gets a generous coating. This helps seal in moisture and infuses the chicken with rich, garlicky flavor as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. The ideal time depends on the thickness of your chicken, but you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.

Step 6: Broil for a Perfect Finish (Optional)

If you want an extra golden and crispy top, switch your oven to broil mode for 2 to 3 minutes after baking. Keep a close watch to avoid burning, but this quick step adds a delightful texture that makes this recipe feel extra special.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Once out of the oven, let your garlic butter baked chicken rest for about five minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, giving you tender, succulent bites every time.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm, perhaps with those optional fresh lemon wedges on the side to cut through the richness. Now, dig in and savor the wonderful comfort of this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe—you’ve earned it!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Three baked chicken pieces lie closely in a white pan lined with parchment paper. Each piece is golden brown with grill marks, showing a slightly crispy texture on top. The chicken is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and coated in a light yellow sauce with visible bits of garlic and spices. The sauce pools around the chicken, giving a glossy look, while the edges of the pan show some browning from cooking. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up your plate by garnishing the chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. A wedge of lemon is not just pretty—it adds a zesty pop that elevates every bite. These simple touches make the dish feel thoughtfully prepared and visually inviting.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with many sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, while roasted asparagus or vibrant sautéed green beans offer crisp, fresh textures to balance the meal. For a lighter option, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, slice the cooked chicken breasts thinly and fan them over a bed of herbed rice or colorful quinoa. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the baking dish over the top to tie everything together. You can also serve alongside grilled vegetables or a warm crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that garlic-infused butter sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it stays fresh for up to three days. This makes for a perfect next-day lunch or quick evening meal that tastes just as good.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken breasts to extend their shelf life. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken breasts keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain tenderness.

Reheating

When reheating your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe, do so gently to avoid drying out the meat. Use a microwave on medium power, covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Alternatively, warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before cooking. The best method is thawing them overnight in the refrigerator for even, safe defrosting. If you’re in a hurry, sealing the chicken in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water is a handy alternative.

What Can I Substitute for the Butter?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or lighter option, olive oil is a fantastic substitute and adds its own lovely flavor. Coconut oil also works well, especially if you enjoy a subtle tropical nuance in your dish.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Leftover chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within three days for optimal freshness. Keeping the chicken covered well prevents it from drying out and preserves the flavors.

Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like broccoli florets, asparagus tips, or sliced bell peppers directly into the baking dish is a delicious idea. Just cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a little garlic butter before baking, so they cook evenly alongside the chicken.

How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Tender?

The key is not overcooking! Pat your chicken dry before seasoning, use a meat thermometer to reach that perfect 165°F (74°C), and don’t skip letting the chicken rest after cooking. These steps lock in moisture and deliver tender, juicy meat every time.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is truly a keeper—a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to whenever you want a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. It’s the perfect combination of comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how such simple ingredients come together to create pure magic on your plate. Happy cooking!

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