If you are craving a dish that combines simplicity with an explosion of flavors, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an effortless way to turn everyday chicken breasts into a juicy, tender, and aromatic meal that feels special every time. The fragrant garlic butter infused with fresh herbs seeps into the meat as it bakes, creating a perfect balance of savory and buttery goodness that will make this recipe a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward making this delightful dish, and the best part is how straightforward and wholesome everything is. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavor profile, from the richness of the butter to the brightness of fresh herbs.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that becomes juicy and tender with the right cooking technique.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to create a silky, rich coating that infuses the chicken with moisture and flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced: A powerful aromatic that brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery note.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Introduces an earthy, subtle lemony flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Fresh rosemary, chopped: Offers a fragrant piney aroma that makes the dish stand out.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Olive oil: Used for searing to create a golden crust that locks in juices.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is perfect for baking the chicken, ensuring it cooks quickly but evenly while retaining its juiciness.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken before adding any herbs or butter.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary. This mixture will act like a flavorful blanket over the chicken, infusing it with aromatic richness.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a satisfying texture.
Step 5: Pour Garlic Butter Over Chicken
Carefully pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts, making sure every piece is well-coated. The butter will continue to baste the chicken as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), which guarantees the chicken is thoroughly cooked without drying out.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once baked, allow the chicken to rest in the skillet for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, keeping each bite tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make ideal garnishes. Sprinkle a little chopped parsley or a few whole thyme leaves on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich garlic butter sauce. A light drizzle of extra melted butter or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the garlicky butter, roasted vegetables for a healthy pop of color, or a crisp green salad for balance. Steamed asparagus or garlic butter green beans are simple yet elegant accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a casual family meal, slice the chicken breasts across the grain and fan them out on a platter. Drizzle with any remaining garlic butter from the pan and garnish with fresh herbs for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress. Alternatively, serve the chicken atop a bed of herbed rice or grains for a hearty, one-plate meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken from the Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buttery sauce with the chicken to maintain moisture and flavor during storage.
Freezing
If you have more chicken than you can eat within a few days, freezing is a great option. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, sealing tightly. The chicken will keep well for up to 2 months. To preserve the texture, avoid freezing with large amounts of sauce; instead, freeze chicken and sauce separately if possible.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying it out. Adding a small splash of water or extra butter can help keep the chicken moist while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can work in a pinch—use about one-third of the amount called for since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just add them to the garlic butter mixture before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe keeps well and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should also be firm and the juices run clear.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple ingredients without any wheat or gluten-containing products.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe, and once you try it, it will likely become a go-to meal in your home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for special occasions. Take a moment to savor the rich, buttery garlic flavor that melts into juicy chicken, and enjoy every delicious bite with those you love.
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and then baked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready once the chicken is seared.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Mix Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, and rosemary until well combined.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Coat with Sauce: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Fresh herbs significantly enhance the flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary—use about one-third of the fresh herb quantity.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pair this chicken with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
