When I think about comfort, my mind drifts straight to the smell of sizzling garlic in butter. This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast reminds me of Sunday dinners at Nonna’s kitchen, where the aroma filled every corner of the house. She believed in cooking with patience, not perfection, and this recipe captures that spirit. The chicken turns out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, all baked to golden perfection with that irresistible garlic-butter glaze.
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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
This baked chicken breast isn’t just about flavor, it’s about ease. With minimal ingredients and almost no prep time, it’s perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. The garlic butter seeps into every bite, keeping the chicken moist and delicious. What makes it shine is its versatility: serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even pasta. It’s oven-baked, which means no babysitting over the stove. If you love simple yet indulgent dinners, you’ll enjoy how this dish stands beside favorites like Melt In Your Mouth Chicken for both taste and texture.
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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to golden perfection. A simple oven-baked recipe that combines melted butter, garlic, and paprika to create an irresistibly tender meal perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Place in the baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
You can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
For meal prep, slice the baked chicken and store it in airtight containers with veggies or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Ingredients
You’ll need only a few staples, and maybe you already have them in your pantry.
Here’s what you’ll gather:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 large (about 1 lb total) |
| Butter, melted | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Parsley (for garnish) | Optional |
For a cozy side pairing, you can check my Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes, they make the perfect buttery partner for this dish.
How to Make the Perfect Baked Chicken Breast
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, whisk melted butter with minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken in your dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender.
For a bolder twist, I sometimes add a dash of lemon zest or swap paprika for cayenne. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, just like my Creamy Garlic Chicken that always wins hearts at family dinners.
Tips and Variations
- Use room-temperature chicken: It bakes more evenly.
- Add veggies: Toss some broccoli or cherry tomatoes in the same pan for an easy one-dish meal.
- Swap the protein: Try this garlic butter blend on salmon or turkey tenderloin, just adjust the baking time.
- Make it ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mix for up to 12 hours.
If you like flavorful twists, you’ll love the Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin recipe for a similar melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I keep baked chicken breast from drying out?
Use a meat thermometer and avoid overbaking. Removing it at 160°F and letting it rest to reach 165°F works best.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Just bake them a few minutes longer. Thighs are juicier and hold flavor beautifully.
3. Can I make garlic butter baked chicken ahead of time?
Yes, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to retain moisture.
4. What sides go well with this dish?
Try pairing it with Rosemary Infused Roast Potatoes for a complete comfort meal.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Garlic Butter Chicken proves that simple ingredients can create the most memorable meals. With its buttery crisp edges and tender inside, it’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just feed you, it comforts you. Every time I bake it, I’m reminded of Nonna’s kitchen warmth, where love was always the secret ingredient. For more inspiration, my Caramelised Soy Chicken offers another easy yet irresistible dinner idea that your family will ask for again and again.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
