Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a dish that brings together the rich, savory flavors of garlic and butter, enveloping tender chicken in a deliciously aromatic embrace. Just picture the chicken breasts glistening with a golden hue, merging perfectly with the fragrant garlic butter that seeps into every crevice. This recipe delivers a satisfying dinner experience, capturing the hearts of family and friends alike while being easy on the budget and simple to prepare.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

I can still remember the first time I made this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast. The kitchen filled with mouthwatering scents as the butter and garlic melded, creating an intoxicating aroma that drew everyone to the dinner table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests—no matter the occasion, this dish always feels like a warm hug. If you’re craving something that’s both comforting and elegant, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 35 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for those busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter infuses the chicken with a rich, savory taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown chicken garnished with fresh parsley looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Excellent for any meal, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 chicken breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook evenly and remain juicy. If you prefer dark meat, consider using thighs for a richer flavor.
4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted butter provides a creamy richness, enhancing the garlic flavor without added salt. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil works well.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your garlic love—add more for a stronger flavor or reduce for mildness.
1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a warm color and subtle smoky flavor to the dish. Smoked paprika can be a delightful alternative, giving an extra depth to the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings make all the difference; use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the butter.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden crust.

Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown too much; we want it to remain sweet and aromatic.

Prepare Chicken in Baking Dish: While the butter is melting, prepare your chicken. Place the 4 chicken breasts in a baking dish, giving them room to breathe. This allows the heat to circulate better and cooks them evenly.

Pour Garlic Butter Mixture: Pour the melted garlic butter over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece gets coated. This is where the magic truly begins as that buttery goodness seeps into the meat.

Season Generously: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika, along with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, over the chicken. Don’t be shy; these seasonings will enhance the overall flavor and give your chicken a beautiful color.

Bake to Perfection: Pop your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The meat should register 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. You’ll know it’s perfect when you see those edges slightly bubbling and the chicken is just beginning to turn golden.

Garnish & Serve: Once out of the oven, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a splash of color and freshness. This extra touch makes the dish feel complete and inviting.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you want to preserve it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. For reheating, simply place the chicken in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Just a heads-up—while the flavor will still be delightful, the texture may slightly change, so consider drizzling a bit of extra melted butter or broth over it to keep it moist.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid drying out the chicken by not overbaking; keep a close eye on the cooking time.
For enhanced flavors, consider marinating the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before pouring it over the chicken.
Try using a cast-iron skillet for baking. It retains heat beautifully, creating a perfect sear on the chicken.
If you’re a fan of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add an intriguing kick to this dish.

It’s so easy to fall in love with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast. This recipe’s combination of simplicity and luxurious taste makes it a preferred option for dinner, and its versatility ensures it fits into any meal plan effortlessly. Whether you serve it with a side of roasted veggies or over a bed of fluffy rice, every bite is a reminder of the comforting flavors you’ve created. Don’t hesitate to try variations with your favorite herbs or spices—the possibilities are endless!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you need to allow extra time for cooking. Make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for best results. When ready to bake, ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including steamed green vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it over pasta or rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and garlic butter sauce in advance, then simply assemble and bake right before serving. Alternatively, once cooked, you can store it in the fridge and heat it up later.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use skinless chicken breasts. Additionally, using less garlic or replacing half with lemon juice can provide freshness without the extra calories.

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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

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Author: anna
Prep Time: N/A
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast features tender chicken soaked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, making it a simple and mouthwatering option for dinner. Ideal for quick meals that everyone will enjoy, it combines pantry staples for unforgettable flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter over them.
Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper on top.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter for 30 minutes before baking.
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier cut of meat.