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; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon paprika

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter is juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-24T11:30:38.758Z

This dish is a family favorite, combining tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic butter sauce. Serve it with a side of veggies or over a bed of rice for a complete meal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Juicy chicken infused with rich garlic butter flavor
Quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile dish that pairs well with various sides

      

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken

To ensure your Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter turns out juicy and flavorful, it's essential to start with high-quality chicken breasts. Look for meat that is pink and firm, avoiding any that appear discolored or have an off odor. Additionally, letting your chicken come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking can help it cook more evenly.

Another key to achieving perfectly baked chicken is not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Pulling the chicken from the oven just before it reaches this temperature allows for carryover cooking, ensuring that it remains moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

This Baked Chicken Breast pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for a nutritious meal or with a fresh salad for a lighter option. Garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa are also excellent choices that complement the rich flavors of the garlic butter.

For a complete dinner experience, you can add a sauce or dressing. A drizzle of lemon juice or a light vinaigrette can brighten up the dish and add a refreshing contrast to the buttery chicken. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sides to find your perfect pairing!

Storing and Reheating

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Butter

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

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and rub with olive oil.

Make the Garlic Butter

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

Bake the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated.

Cooking Time

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Serve

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious baked chicken with your favorite sides!

Nutritional Information

This Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter is not only delicious but also a healthy option for your meals. Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and overall health. The addition of garlic provides numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and improving heart health.

With just a few ingredients, this recipe remains low in carbohydrates while being rich in flavor. For those watching their calorie intake, you can easily adjust the amount of butter used in the garlic butter mixture or substitute it with a healthier option like olive oil.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize the garlic butter to suit your taste. Adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can elevate the dish even further. For a spicy kick, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.

You can also experiment with different cooking methods. Grilling the chicken instead of baking gives it a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time, as grilling may cook the chicken faster.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well and will also be very juicy.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter and season the chicken ahead of time, then bake it when ready to serve.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Great side options include steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.