Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen feel like home, reminding you of cozy family dinners or a quiet evening when you simply want something comforting. The chicken breasts come out tender and juicy, enveloped in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s just too tempting to resist. If you’ve ever bitten into chicken that’s packed with flavor, you can already imagine how this dish stands out. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour.

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
Recipe FAQs
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

This recipe truly shines, thanks to the harmony between the heavenly aroma of butter and garlic and the satisfying crispness of the baked chicken. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a small gathering, Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast brings an inviting warmth that’s sure to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you might just find it becoming your go-to dinner option. Let’s jump in and make something divine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices creates a taste profile you can’t get enough of.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden, buttery chicken that looks as good as it tastes on your dinner plate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a small gathering with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt for gluten-free lifestyles with just a few tweaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for the best results. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use thighs instead!
4 tablespoons butter: Look for unsalted butter for more control over the saltiness of the dish.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is crucial for that punch of flavor; avoid pre-minced for best results.
1 teaspoon paprika: A dash for color and a hint of smoky flavor. You could also experiment with smoked paprika for a different twist.
Salt and pepper to taste: Basic yet essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Fresh parsley for garnish: It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for creating a nice golden crust while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.

Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in 4 cloves of freshly minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant, about 1 minute. This step is so important—it releases all those delightful garlic aromas that will infuse into the chicken.

Prepare the Chicken: Place 4 chicken breasts in a baking dish. You can give them a light sprinkle of salt and pepper at this stage. Pour the garlic butter mix generously over the tops, making sure each piece is well coated.

Season: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika evenly across the chicken. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed for your taste. This is where you get to play chef and personalize the flavor!

Bake: Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked thoroughly and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (75°C).

Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest briefly. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a splash of color and flavor. Then, serve it up hot!

Storing & Reheating

To store your garlic butter baked chicken breasts, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. For freezing, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Note that reheating may slightly change the texture, so consider adding a bit more butter or a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it takes just a minute to ensure perfectly juicy chicken.
For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter before cooking; just be sure to reduce cooking time as needed.
Consider adding your favorite herbs or spices to the butter for a little twist on the classic flavor—thyme or rosemary would complement beautifully.
Make this dish ahead by preparing everything the night before; just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

The beauty of garlic butter baked chicken breast lies in its simplicity yet deep flavor. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad for a delightful meal that’s completely customizable. Whether it’s your first time in the kitchen or you’re an experienced cook, this dish holds a special place at your table.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Make sure to thaw them entirely before following the steps. Cooking frozen chicken directly may lead to uneven cooking, so plan ahead!

What side dishes pair well with garlic butter baked chicken breasts?

This dish goes beautifully with roasted vegetables, a light green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. Rice is also a great option to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.

Can I make garlic butter baked chicken breast on the grill?

Yes! Simply follow the same marinade method and grill them over medium heat, turning occasionally. You’ll get a lovely smokiness that complements the butter and garlic.

How can I ensure my chicken stays moist?

Besides not overcooking, consider brining your chicken breasts for a couple of hours beforehand to enhance their moisture. You can use a simple saltwater brine for great results.

More Main Dishes Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Anna
Prep Time: N/A
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This garlic butter baked chicken breast delivers incredible flavor with simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick dinner, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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

For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and adjust the salt accordingly.
Feel free to add vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to the baking dish for a complete meal.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.