This Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a simple and tasty meal that comes together quickly. Juicy chicken is coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce that everyone will love!
If you’re like me, you appreciate easy meals that taste amazing! I often enjoy it with rice or veggies. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Yum! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for an alternative, boneless thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs might take a few extra minutes.
Butter: Unsalted butter provides a great base for the garlic flavor. If you want a healthier option, you could use olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Both will work well in this recipe!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings strong flavor to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder — about 1 teaspoon for every clove. But fresh garlic will always give the best taste.
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds great flavor, but feel free to customize! Using just dried basil and oregano works too, or even fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken juicy is all about the cooking method. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect juicy chicken:
- Start by patting the chicken dry. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice crust when baking.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken after baking. Letting it rest for 5 minutes lets the juices redistribute, so it stays moist when you cut into it.
- A good rule of thumb for chicken is to bake until it reaches 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is your best friend for this!
Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and about 20-25 minutes for baking, making it a total of roughly 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your chicken bakes evenly and gets a nice golden finish.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry using paper towels. This helps the spices coat the chicken better. Now, season both sides of each breast generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences!
3. Mix the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic, stirring well to mix. This delicious combination is what makes the chicken so flavorful!
4. Get Ready for Baking:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Carefully brush the garlic butter mixture over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated. Don’t be shy—this is what adds that yummy garlic flavor!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the chicken in your preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a handy tool for checking!
6. Rest, Garnish, and Serve:
Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps keep it juicy when you cut into it. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful garlic butter baked chicken breasts!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they need to be completely thawed before cooking. Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Make sure to pat them dry before seasoning for the best results!
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Both will impart great flavor and help keep the chicken moist.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water can keep it juicy while reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers to the baking dish. Just toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them alongside the chicken. They’ll roast beautifully together!
