Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Everyone will love this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast! Your taste buds will be thrilled when you eat this juicy chicken covered in buttery garlic.
Mix garlic and butter together, pour it over the chicken, and let the oven do the rest. It’s that easy. Yum, who can say no to that? I love eating it with rice or vegetables to make a whole dinner!
Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter
How Long Will You Need?
It will take approximately 10 minutes to get ready and 20 to 25 minutes to bake, plus some time to cool down. It takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes to make a tasty dinner at home.
Ingredients:
- Four chicken breasts with no bones or skin
- 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- One teaspoon of dried parsley or one tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges to serve with
Important Ingredients and Alternatives
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe since they cook quickly. If you have thighs or like dark meat better, they work great too, although they might need a little extra time to simmer.
Butter: I use unsalted butter to have more control over the flavor, but you can use salted butter if that’s all you have. Just be careful not to add too much more salt to the chicken.
Fresh minced garlic gives the finest flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder will work in a hurry. Instead of fresh cloves, use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Herbs: I enjoy using dried thyme and parsley because they are easy to get. If you have fresh thyme or parsley, you can use twice as much of them instead of dried herbs to have a stronger flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Set the oven to preheat:
To start, turn your oven on to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure that your chicken cooks evenly and becomes very soft. - Get the chicken ready:
Next, use paper towels to dry off the chicken breasts. This makes it easier for the spices to stick. Sprinkle a lot of salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme on both sides of each breast. You can change the seasoning to suit your taste! - How to Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
Put the melted butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley (or fresh parsley if you’re using that) in a small bowl and mix them together. Mix everything together until it’s fully mixed and smells good.
- Put together in a baking dish:
Put the seasoned chicken breasts in a dish for baking. Pour the garlic butter mixture carefully and evenly over the top of each piece of chicken. Make sure they are well-coated so that all the flavors can seep in. - Put the chicken in the oven:
Put the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You should cook the chicken until the inside is no longer pink and the temperature inside is 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is quite helpful! - (Optional) Broil for a Perfect Finish:
If you like a golden, crispy top, turn your oven to broil for 2–3 minutes toward the end. Just watch it so it doesn’t burn. - Give it a break:
Take the chicken out of the oven once it has finished roasting and let it sit for about five minutes. This helps keep the liquids in, which keeps your chicken moist and tasty. - Serve and Enjoy:
Last but not least, serve your cooked chicken with garlic butter warm. Adding lemon slices on the side gives it a fresh taste. Enjoy every tasty bite!
How can I make sure my chicken is juicy and tender?
Don’t overcook the chicken if you want it to be juicy! This is how to do it right:
- To begin, pat the chicken dry. This will help the seasoning stick better.
- Check the temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F (74°C). This makes sure it’s safe to consume and yet soft.
- After cooking, let the chicken sit for about 5 minutes. This enables the liquids move around, which makes each bite taste better.
Enjoy your meal! You just made a delicious Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast FAQ
Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, however you need to let them defrost all the way before cooking. The safest thing to do is put them in the fridge overnight. Put the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and put it in cold water until it thaws if you don’t have much time.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can use olive oil instead of butter if you want to be healthy. Coconut oil is a good dairy-free option that provides a hint of taste.
How do I save leftovers?
Put any leftover chicken in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to three days. To heat up, put it in the microwave or on the stove and heat it up slowly until it is hot all the way through.
Can I put vegetables in this dish?
Yes, for sure! You can add some vegetables to the baking dish, like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers. You may also sprinkle them with garlic butter, but make sure to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.