The way the garlic butter melts into every nook and cranny of the chicken, creating a symphony of savory goodness, is pure culinary poetry. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers unbelievably juicy and flavorful chicken, kissed with garlic and herbs, that will become a family favorite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for company.
Why You Need This Version
- Unbelievably Juicy: The garlic butter basting keeps the chicken moist and tender throughout the baking process.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe uses pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality dish.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different herbs, spices, or vegetables to suit your taste.
The Essential Components
Using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe. Fresh herbs and good butter will elevate the flavor profile and create a truly memorable meal. Don’t skimp on the garlic either!
- Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): The star of the show! (Ensure they are of uniform thickness for even cooking.)
- Butter (unsalted): The base of our flavorful sauce. (Use good quality butter for the best flavor.)
- Garlic (fresh): Adds that pungent, irresistible garlic flavor. (Freshly minced is always best!)
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): Adds a bright, herbaceous note. (Fresh herbs are key for vibrant flavor.)
- Dried Thyme: Provides an earthy, aromatic depth. (Dried thyme holds up well during baking.)
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. (Freshly squeezed is preferred.)
- Salt and Pepper: To enhance all the flavors. (Season generously!)
Swaps & Alternatives
Sometimes you need to make a few changes based on what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
- Olive Oil: Substitute olive oil for butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic Powder: Use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Dried Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, use dried parsley. Use about 1 teaspoon.
- Other Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Chef’s Twists
Want to take this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast to the next level? Here are a few ideas to make it extra special:
- Brown Butter: Brown the butter before adding the garlic and herbs for a nutty, richer flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a touch of heat.
- White Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after melting the butter for added depth of flavor.
Let’s Get Cooking
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken every time. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely in the oven.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Stir in the fresh parsley, dried thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Baste the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour half of the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well coated.
4. Bake the Chicken
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the remaining garlic butter halfway through the baking time. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Dry Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Basting frequently also helps.
- Burnt Garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s cooking in the butter. Burnt garlic will taste bitter.
- Uneven Cooking: Make sure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness. You can pound them lightly with a meat mallet if needed.
Serving Ideas
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. It’s also delicious sliced and served over pasta.
For a complete meal, try serving this chicken with Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies for an easy cleanup. Or, if you’re craving comfort food, pair it with Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese. Another great option is Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken With Egg Noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. You might also enjoy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast. If you’re looking for a different twist, consider Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese. And for a complete one-pan meal, try Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes.
Perfect side dishes include:
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple and elegant side dish that complements the richness of the garlic butter.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food pairing.
- Quinoa: A healthy and nutritious side dish that adds a nutty flavor.
- Green Salad: A refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Know someone who loves Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast? Share this recipe with them!
What makes this garlic butter baked chicken breast recipe so juicy?
The garlic butter basting keeps the chicken moist and tender throughout the baking process.
What temperature should the chicken reach internally to be considered fully cooked?
The chicken should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use olive oil instead of butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
What can I do to prevent the garlic from burning when making the garlic butter?
Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s cooking in the butter, as burnt garlic will taste bitter.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Oven
- baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the fresh parsley, dried thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Pour half of the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well coated.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the chicken with the remaining garlic butter halfway through the baking time.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
