The rich aroma of garlic butter wafting through the kitchen is a sign that something truly comforting is in the oven. This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients, you get tender, juicy chicken with a buttery garlic-infused crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s the kind of no-fail recipe every home cook needs in their arsenal, simple, reliable, and incredibly tasty.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and place them in a baking dish.
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each chicken breast, coating evenly.
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Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for golden, slightly crisp tops, if desired.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast: A Classic Made Easy
If there’s one dish every home cook should master, it’s a simple, juicy baked chicken breast. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned kitchen pro, the Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a go-to recipe that combines ease, flavor, and versatility. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a rich, savory meal that satisfies any crowd. This recipe brings together tender, protein-packed chicken and aromatic garlic-infused butter for a dinner that feels both comforting and indulgent, without the need for complicated ingredients or techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless ways to prepare chicken, but baking it in a garlicky butter bath might just be the most delicious. Here’s why this dish stands out:
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Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this chicken in the oven and on the table in no time.
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Foolproof Juiciness: Baking chicken can sometimes result in dryness, but this recipe ensures a juicy interior thanks to the butter-based marinade and the short, high-temperature cooking time.
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Garlic Lover’s Dream: Garlic is the hero of this dish, bringing depth, fragrance, and just the right amount of bite.
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Versatile Pairings: From mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables to rice or pasta, this chicken goes well with virtually anything.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch and refrigerate or freeze leftovers for quick, protein-rich meals throughout the week.
The Secret to Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts
One of the most common mistakes when baking chicken breasts is overcooking. Because they are naturally lean and lack the fat content of thighs or drumsticks, breasts can dry out quickly if not monitored. This recipe mitigates that risk by baking at a moderately high temperature (400°F or 200°C) for just 20–25 minutes. Additionally, using a digital meat thermometer ensures you remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it hits the optimal internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Another key factor is the garlic butter sauce. By brushing it over the chicken before baking, you lock in moisture and add an irresistible golden crust during the final broil. The fats from the butter baste the chicken while it bakes, resulting in tender, succulent bites every time.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
While the ingredient list for this garlic butter chicken is short, each component plays a vital role in building flavor and enhancing texture:
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Chicken Breasts: A lean, protein-rich meat that serves as the perfect canvas for flavor. Skinless, boneless breasts cook quickly and are ideal for weeknight meals.
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Butter: Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel, while helping to keep the chicken moist during baking.
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Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is aromatic and pungent. It mellows in the oven, becoming sweet and nutty, complementing the butter perfectly.
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Paprika: Adds a touch of warmth and vibrant color to the dish.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme gives the dish a balanced herbal note.
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Onion Powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering the garlic.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate and bring out the best in the other ingredients.
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Fresh Parsley (Garnish): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to finish the dish.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are plenty of ways to tweak it based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry:
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the top before broiling for a cheesy, golden crust.
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Use Different Herbs: Swap Italian seasoning with rosemary, thyme, or dill for a new flavor profile.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
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Make it Creamy: Add a touch of cream or cream cheese to the garlic butter for a richer sauce.
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Try Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, slightly fattier version of the dish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken
This chicken dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to side pairings. Here are some ideas to help you round out the meal:
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Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or glazed carrots complement the richness of the chicken.
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Grains: Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes, wild rice, quinoa, or buttery couscous.
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Salads: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad adds a crisp contrast.
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Pasta: Pair with angel hair tossed in olive oil or garlic butter noodles for a satisfying, carb-rich dinner.
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Bread: A crusty loaf or garlic bread makes a great accompaniment for soaking up the leftover sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken is not just for the dinner table, it’s ideal for weekly meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
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Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Wrap each chicken breast individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered dish at 300°F (150°C) to avoid drying out. A splash of chicken broth or melted butter can help rehydrate the meat.
You can also slice or dice the chicken to use in wraps, sandwiches, salads, or stir-fries throughout the week.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
This recipe strikes a balance between indulgence and nutritional value. Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The use of real butter, while rich, is kept moderate, and the dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a smart option for low-carb, keto, or high-protein diets.
Garlic is more than just a flavor enhancer, it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and heart-healthy properties. Combined with herbs and a cooking method that doesn’t require frying, this meal is both nourishing and satisfying.
Ideal for Special Diets
This dish is naturally gluten-free and nut-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. It can be easily adapted to fit a low-carb or keto lifestyle. For dairy-free variations, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
In the world of weeknight dinners, few recipes are as dependable and delightful as Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast. It’s simple enough to prepare on a busy evening yet flavorful enough to serve to guests. The combination of golden, juicy chicken and the rich, savory garlic butter sauce makes this dish a standout. Plus, with its quick prep time, minimal ingredients, and flexible serving options, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best meals come from the simplest ingredients, elevated with just a bit of care and creativity.