Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter

Name: Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter is a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Juicy chicken breasts are baked to perfection and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce.

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-24T11:27:37.294Z

Discover the delightful flavors of baked chicken breast infused with garlic butter. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also guarantees a satisfying meal that your family will love.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Juicy and tender chicken with a rich garlic flavor
Easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions

      

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter is the ultimate solution for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it also requires minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for those who may not have a fully stocked pantry. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful and nutritious dinner that your whole family will love.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While it shines on its own, you can easily pair it with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. This flexibility allows you to customize your meal based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys, ensuring that dinner remains exciting without much extra effort.

Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the garlic butter sauce. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, fresh garlic, and parsley, this sauce adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the baked chicken. The garlic infuses the butter with its distinct taste, creating a mouthwatering coating that keeps the chicken juicy and delicious throughout the cooking process.

Additionally, the garlic butter sauce can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or substitute the parsley with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. This adaptability not only enhances the dish's flavor but also allows you to experiment with different herbs and spices to keep your meals interesting.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts, it’s essential to start with chicken that is even in thickness. If your chicken breasts are uneven, consider pounding them to a uniform thickness before seasoning. This will help them cook evenly, preventing the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts remain undercooked. Additionally, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Don’t forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy bite. Resting also makes it easier to slice the chicken without it falling apart, ensuring that you present a beautiful dish at the dinner table.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix well.

Bake the Chicken

Pour the garlic butter mixture over the seared chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter, the options are endless. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a vibrant vegetable medley. You can roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus, carrots, and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Their natural sweetness complements the savory garlic butter flavor beautifully.

If you prefer a lighter option, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works wonders. The peppery greens provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken, making each bite a delightful experience. You can also add some cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers for extra crunch and color.

Storing Leftovers

Should you have any leftovers, storing them is easy and convenient. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its flavor and texture, consider reheating it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

If you're looking to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken will maintain its best quality for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily adapt it to incorporate different flavors. Consider marinating the chicken breasts in lemon juice, soy sauce, or your favorite spice blend before baking for an added layer of flavor. This will infuse the chicken with a delicious taste that complements the garlic butter perfectly.

For a Mediterranean twist, try adding Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the garlic butter sauce. These ingredients will provide a burst of flavor and color, enhancing the overall dish. Similarly, experimenting with different types of cheese as a topping can elevate your baked chicken to new heights, providing a delightful richness and creaminess.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe, but adjust the cooking time as thighs may take longer.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and garlic butter in advance. Just bake it fresh before serving.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.