This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a simple and tasty dish! With rich garlic flavors and a buttery finish, it’s perfect for any meal. Just season and let the oven do the magic!
Honestly, who doesn’t love chicken that’s juicy and flavorful? I like to pair it with some veggies or rice. It makes dinner feel fancy, even on a busy weeknight! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. If you want more flavor, you can use thighs instead. They’re juicier and forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level better. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you could substitute it with olive oil, but you’ll miss that creamy flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best for this recipe, adding an aromatic punch. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as strong. A good rule is 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Parsley: Fresh parsley gives a nice touch of color and taste. Dried parsley works too. In many cases, I double the parsley to bring out more of its flavor in the dish.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the chicken. Bottled juice is an alternative, but again, fresh is always best for the most vibrant taste.
How Do You Avoid Overcooking the Chicken?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, as it’s easy to overdo it. To make sure your chicken remains juicy, here are some helpful steps:
- Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest after taking it out of the oven. This helps lock in juices, keeping it moist.
- Consider using chicken thighs if you want a little more leeway with cooking time since they won’t dry out as quickly.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
- Extra parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need 25-30 minutes for the chicken to bake. So, in total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn on your oven and set it to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for your chicken.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Grab a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing but doesn’t turn brown. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Give it a good mix!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Now, take a baking dish and place the chicken breasts in it. Pour your delicious garlic butter mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated with all that flavor.
4. Optional Lemon Touch:
If you want to add a little more zing and a pretty look, place some lemon slices on top of the chicken. This step is totally optional but definitely adds flavor!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven. Let your chicken bake for 25-30 minutes. You know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let it Rest:
After baking, carefully take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. While it rests, you can drizzle some of the tasty sauce from the baking dish over the chicken.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve your garlic butter baked chicken warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just remember to thaw the chicken completely before baking. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method by sealing it in a bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour. Make sure to pat it dry before coating it with the garlic butter mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you want to make this dish dairy-free or if you just prefer a lighter option, you can substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil in equal amounts. The flavor will slightly change but will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to enhance the meal! Consider adding asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers to the baking dish. Toss them in the garlic butter mixture as well to infuse their flavors; just make sure to adjust the baking time if needed until everything is tender.
