Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a simple, flavorful, and juicy way to cook chicken. The garlic butter coating adds richness and depth to the chicken while keeping it tender and moist. With just a few basic ingredients, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make and results in incredibly tender, flavorful chicken breasts every time. The garlic butter mixture infuses the chicken with amazing flavor, creating a golden crust on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and moist on the inside. It’s versatile enough to pair with any side dish and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

• Lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:

   • In a small saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, I add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant and golden.

   • I stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I can also add fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor. I set the garlic butter mixture aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Chicken:

   • I place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and season both sides with salt and pepper.

   • I arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

4. Add the Garlic Butter:

   • I pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each one is well coated. For extra flavor, I sometimes spoon a little of the mixture on top of the chicken during baking.

5. Bake the Chicken:

   • I bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.

6. Serve:

   • Once the chicken is done, I remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices inside the chicken, keeping it tender and moist.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 40 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep and 25–30 minutes for baking.

Variations

I sometimes add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before baking for a cheesy, golden crust. For a spicier version, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. I also like to serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

I store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. I bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They’ll be even juicier than chicken breasts and just as delicious.

How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

For extra flavor, I marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking. You can also add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the baking dish for added moisture and flavor.

Can I cook this chicken on the stovetop?

Yes, I can cook the chicken on the stovetop. Just heat some butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, and make sure it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

Can I freeze the garlic butter chicken?

Yes, I can freeze the cooked chicken after it cools completely. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then heat it in the oven until warmed through.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast?

This chicken pairs well with almost anything! I love serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a light salad, or even rice pilaf for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The garlic butter adds richness and depth, while the chicken stays moist and tender. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in my recipe rotation!