Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection with a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with thyme, parsley, and paprika. It’s an easy, quick, and delicious dinner option that can be ready in under 40 minutes and pairs wonderfully with lemon wedges or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 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, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes tender.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasonings adhere better. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley (or fresh parsley). Mix well until fragrant.
- Assemble in a Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, then pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each breast to coat thoroughly.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is no longer pink in the center.
- Broil for a Perfect Finish (Optional): For a crispy golden top, switch your oven to broil mode and broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let it Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute for moist, flavorful bites.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the garlic butter baked chicken warm, optionally with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh tang. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, allowing extra cooking time.
- If fresh garlic is unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil or coconut oil for a healthier or dairy-free option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers to the baking dish for a complete meal.
- Thaw frozen chicken fully before cooking to ensure even baking.
