Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is one of those simple yet incredibly satisfying dishes that never fails to impress. With juicy chicken coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is packed with flavor while being easy enough for any home cook. The combination of subtly browned garlic and a hint of paprika brings depth to the chicken, making it a standout option for dinner any night of the week. It’s the sort of meal that can transform a regular evening into something a little more special, all without a ton of fuss.

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
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

When I first made this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe, I couldn’t help but marvel at how such a few simple ingredients could yield such delicious results. The aroma filling the kitchen is enough to whet anyone’s appetite! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just a cozy meal for two, this dish strikes the perfect balance. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that encourages second helpings and satisfied smiles. You’ll definitely want to give it a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
Irresistible Flavor: Bursting with rich butter and savory garlic notes that make every bite delightful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown chicken topped with fresh parsley looks beautiful on any plate.
Flexible Serving: Great for year-round dinners, and pairs well with almost any side dish.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can be modified to include herbs for a fresh twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture; they cook evenly and stay juicy. You can substitute thighs if you prefer dark meat.
4 tablespoons butter: Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning better; it adds wonderful richness to the sauce. For a dairy-free version, you can swap it with olive oil or a plant-based butter.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with a lovely aromatic flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is best.
1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a smoky depth to the chicken; sweet paprika is perfect, but smoked paprika will elevate the flavor even more!
Salt and pepper to taste: These staples enhance the overall flavor, so season generously but carefully.
Fresh parsley for garnish: It brightens up the dish and adds a touch of freshness; feel free to swap it with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for variety.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to ensuring even cooking and that perfect golden finish.

Melt the Butter and Garlic: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. You want it to be aromatic but avoid burning the garlic as it can turn bitter.

Prepare the Chicken: Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. It’s best if they’re arranged in a single layer to promote uniform cooking.

Pour the Garlic Butter: Drizzle the melted garlic butter over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is generously coated. This step is where the magic begins!

Season Well: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika along with salt and pepper over the chicken. Don’t be shy; the seasoning plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor profile.

Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s golden brown and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety.

Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest briefly. Before serving, garnish generously with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness!

Storing & Reheating

To store Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, let it cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can safely be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Keep in mind that the chicken might become slightly drier upon reheating, so adding a small pat of butter on top while warming can help refresh the moisture and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your chicken breasts are of uniform size to ensure they cook evenly. If they are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness.
Using room-temperature chicken can also help with even cooking; pulling it from the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking can help.
If you have leftovers and want to change things up, shred the chicken and use it in salads or wraps for a refreshing twist!
Adding fresh lemon juice or zest right before serving can brighten up the flavor and dial up the taste even more.
For extra crunch, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking; just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

The beauty of Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is that it’s uncomplicated yet versatile. It provides an excellent canvas for flavor exploration, so feel free to play around with herbs, spices, and sides. Whether you pair it with a crunchy salad, fluffy rice, or roasted veggies, you’ll find it compliments a variety of dishes wonderfully.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will require a longer cooking time. Always ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

How do I know when the chicken is done baking?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear, and the outside should be golden brown, providing visual cues for doneness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and keep it in the fridge before baking, ideally up to one day ahead. Just ensure it’s sealed well to maintain freshness, and add a few extra minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast?

It goes well with a wide variety of sides! Consider fluffy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, a fresh garden salad, or even a light pasta dish. Your options are vast and can really elevate the meal!

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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast delivers mouthwatering flavor with minimal effort. Juicy chicken gets coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, making it an ideal option for a quick dinner or healthy meal. Perfect for any occasion!

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

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Feel free to add other herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.
Serve with your choice of sides for a complete meal.