There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly baked chicken breast. When it’s tender, juicy, and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, it becomes the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. This garlic butter baked chicken breast recipe checks all the boxes: it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, impressive enough for guests, and packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe This garlic butter baked chicken breast stays tender and moist thanks to a rich butter sauce and gentle oven heat. It uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers big, comforting flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is a reliable go-to that never disappoints. The best part? You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen right now. The magic happens when butter meets garlic in the heat of the oven. As the chicken bakes, the butter melts into every crevice, keeping the meat moist while the garlic infuses its aromatic punch into every bite. The combination of Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and crave-worthy. Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon onion powder 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is the sweet spot for baking chicken breasts—hot enough to develop some color on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly juicy. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Choose a dish that’s just large enough to hold your chicken breasts without crowding them, as this allows heat to circulate evenly.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This step might seem minor, but it’s crucial for getting the seasoning to stick and for achieving better browning. Any excess moisture on the surface will steam the chicken rather than allowing it to develop that beautiful golden exterior. Once dry, rub each chicken breast with olive oil. The oil helps the seasonings adhere while also promoting even browning. Now comes the fun part: seasoning. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—chicken breasts have a mild flavor that benefits from generous spicing. Press the seasonings gently into the meat with your hands to ensure they stick.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic. Fresh garlic is essential here—its pungent, aromatic quality is what makes this dish shine. As the butter and garlic meld together, you’ll notice the intoxicating aroma that promises great things to come. Stir well to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter.
4. Bake
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each piece. Pour the garlic butter mixture generously over the top of each breast, making sure every piece gets its fair share. As the chicken bakes, this butter will melt down into the pan, creating a flavorful sauce that you’ll want to spoon over everything. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The exact timing will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. This is where a meat thermometer becomes your best friend. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Resist the urge to cut into the chicken to check for doneness, as this releases precious juices.
5. Rest and Serve
Once your chicken reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. While the chicken rests, those gorgeous pan juices will continue to develop flavor at the bottom of your baking dish. After resting, spoon the garlic-infused pan juices over the top of each chicken breast. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the rich, buttery flavors. Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken Making perfect baked chicken breast is easier than you might think, but a few key techniques make all the difference. First, if your chicken breasts are particularly thick or uneven, pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures they cook at the same rate, preventing thin portions from drying out while thicker sections reach temperature. Second, don’t overbake. This is the number one mistake home cooks make with chicken breast. Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken from the oven the moment it hits 165°F. Remember, the temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests. Third, always let your chicken rest before slicing. Those five minutes make an enormous difference in how juicy your final dish will be. Finally, if you want extra insurance against dryness, add a splash of chicken broth or fresh lemon juice to the pan before baking. This creates additional moisture and flavor.
Serving Ideas This garlic butter chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with countless sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color and nutrition to your plate. Roasted vegetables are another excellent choice—try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers tossed in olive oil and roasted alongside the chicken. For a lighter option, pair your chicken with a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette, or try garlic sautéed green beans that echo the garlicky notes in the main dish. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe perfect for any occasion or dietary preference.
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