There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast wafting through your kitchen, making your taste buds do a little happy dance. Picture this: tender chicken enveloped in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, golden and glistening as it emerges from the oven. It’s like a warm hug for your stomach, promising an explosion of flavor with every bite. For more inspiration, check out this creamy garlic chicken recipe.
Now, let me take you back to that unforgettable family dinner when I first attempted this dish. My kids were skeptical at first (they’re always skeptical), but once they got a whiff of that garlicky goodness, they were all in—mouths agape and forks ready for action. Parmesan garlic potato foil packets It was an instant hit! This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. pumpkin dinner rolls Get ready for some serious flavor excitement!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter baked chicken breast recipe offers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to dinner solution
- The gorgeous golden color makes it visually stunning and appealing on any plate
- Versatile enough to pair with veggies or pasta, it suits any occasion perfectly
- Plus, leftovers (if there are any) make for delicious sandwiches the next day!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it in seconds and begged for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; trust me, your nose will thank you.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows control over the saltiness of your dish; plus, who doesn’t love butter?
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps achieve that perfect crispy skin; don’t skimp on it!
- Dried Herbs (Thyme & Oregano): Fresh herbs work too, but dried ones are convenient and pack a flavorful punch. flavorful corn salad.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the overall taste; season generously but taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden crust.
Prepare Your Chicken Breasts: Place your boneless chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels to help them crisp up beautifully.
Create the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and dried herbs until well combined. The aroma will drive you wild!
Coat the Chicken Generously: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts and make sure they are fully coated. Use a brush if necessary—let that buttery goodness soak in!
Bake Until Perfectly Juicy: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Trust me; you’ll know it’s done when it smells irresistible!
Savor Every Bite!: Take out the baking dish and let it rest for five minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute—because nobody wants dry chicken!
Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare! Your family will be asking for seconds (or thirds), so get those forks ready!
You Must Know
- This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe offers an easy way to elevate your weeknight dinners
- The dish’s enticing aroma fills the kitchen, making family and friends gather around the table
- Plus, it’s a breeze to customize with various herbs and spices!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sear the chicken in a skillet first for that golden crust, then finish baking it in the oven for juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the garlic for shallots or add a splash of lemon juice for zest. Herbs like rosemary or thyme can also bring new life to this dish!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through without losing juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally
- Let it rest before slicing for juiciness
- Marinating overnight intensifies flavor and tenderness, making each bite delightful
Sharing this recipe with my friends turned into a hilarious competition; we all tried to outdo each other with our variations, but everyone agreed on one thing: garlic butter makes everything better!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw them completely first for even cooking.
What side dishes pair well with garlic butter chicken?
Roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes complement this dish beautifully.
How can I make this recipe low-carb?
Serve it over sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, a succulent dish that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. This recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts drenched in a buttery garlic sauce, resulting in a golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For extra crispiness, sear the chicken in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before baking. Experiment with flavor by substituting garlic with shallots or adding lemon juice. Serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.