Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is one of those comforting meals that everyone seems to love. With its savory garlicky aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s impossible not to feel a little giddy just thinking about it. The chicken cooks up tender and juicy, each bite simply bursting with flavor. Just picture this: succulent chicken breasts slathered in rich garlic butter, finished off with a sprinkle of paprika for that extra kick. Not only is it delightfully simple to prepare, but it’s truly a showstopper for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

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

I first stumbled upon this flavor-packed dish on a particularly chilly evening when all I craved was something warm and comforting. After trying out various recipes and variations, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast quickly became a staple in my meal routine. It’s not just about the luxurious taste; it’s also about how little time and effort it takes to whip up. So whether you’re trying to impress guests or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, I invite you to give this easy yet satisfying recipe a go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich, savory dish that tantalizes your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish boasts a luscious golden hue that looks absolutely tempting on any table.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, meal prep, or even as a protein option for salads or sandwiches!
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and great for those on low-carb diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 chicken breasts: Skinless boneless is recommended for easier cooking and more even flavor absorption.
4 tablespoons butter: Use unsalted butter to control the overall salinity of the dish; you can substitute with olive oil for a lighter twist.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor—avoid pre-minced garlic as it can lose potency.
1 teaspoon paprika: This sweet, smoky spice enhances color and adds an appealing depth; smoked paprika can add a unique twist.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for elevating every other flavor; don’t skimp!
Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness that brightens up the plate and balances the richness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A properly preheated oven allows for even cooking and ensures the chicken gets that beautiful golden color on the outside.

Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir and cook just until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. This fragrant mixture forms the flavor foundation of your chicken.

Prepare the Chicken: Take 4 chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Make sure they’re arranged evenly so they cook at the same rate. This step makes certain that one isn’t overcooked while others remain uncooked.

Add the Garlic Butter: Pour the melted garlic butter over the chicken breasts, ensuring every piece gets its fair share. This rich sauce is going to keep your chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.

Season: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste, over the top of the chicken. The spices not only flavor the chicken but also add a beautiful pop of color when baked.

Bake: Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You know it’s done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Garnish & Serve: Finally, garnish the chicken with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a lovely crunchy texture and fresh flavor that rounds out the dish perfectly.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer-lasting freshness, you can freeze the chicken, well-wrapped, for up to 3 months. When reheating, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its juiciness. While the garlic and butter flavors may mellow a bit, it’s still incredibly delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your chicken by using a meat thermometer. This tool is essential for ensuring it reaches the perfect 165°F (74°C) without becoming dry.
Let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
Consider brining your chicken in a saltwater solution for a couple of hours beforehand if you prefer extra juicy chicken.
For an exciting variation, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is not only a fantastic dish but also wonderfully versatile and adaptable for your dining needs. The satisfying flavors pair well with mashed potatoes, a light salad, or even roasted veggies. It’s hard to go wrong here.

Recipe FAQs

How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast—it should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Can I use skin-on chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Skin-on chicken breasts can add additional flavor and richness due to the rendered fat. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast?

This dish pairs excellently with pasta, sautéed vegetables, or a simple garden salad. You can also shred any leftovers and toss them into a salad, sandwich, or wrap for a quick meal.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and marinate the chicken breasts in it for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve, just bake as instructed. This helps infuse even more flavor into the chicken!

There’s something so fulfilling about having a go-to recipe like Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast in your culinary arsenal. The heartiness, the ease of preparation, and the explosively rich flavors make it a regular in many kitchens. I encourage you to experiment with the herbs or side dishes. Enjoy every soothing, flavorful bites!

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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: No Data
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast brings mouthwatering flavor with just a few simple ingredients. This quick dinner option is perfect for busy nights, featuring tender chicken coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Enjoy a homemade meal that’s wholesome and satisfying!

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 breasts are of uniform size for even cooking.
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in garlic butter before baking.
Always check the internal temperature of chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F.