If you’ve been searching for a weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together effortlessly, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is here to steal the show. Juicy, tender chicken breasts bathed in a fragrant blend of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs elevate a simple cut of meat into pure comfort food magic. The golden sear on the outside locks in all those luscious flavors while the buttery, herby sauce keeps every bite irresistibly moist. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles all around the table with its perfect balance of savory richness and fresh herbal brightness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients that work together seamlessly to create fantastic flavor, texture, and aroma. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich butter that bakes into the chicken, to the fresh herbs that brighten and elevate the dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender star of the dish, providing lean protein and a perfect canvas for flavors.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and herbs deep into the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that signature punch of robust, aromatic flavor essential to this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly peppery note and a pop of green color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Brings an earthy, herbal touch that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Provides a piney aroma that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken breasts to a golden brown crust.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s perfectly hot for baking the chicken. While it heats up, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is critical because it layers flavor right at the beginning, setting the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
Next, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl. This garlic butter blend is the heart and soul of the recipe, packing such an incredible aroma and taste that will marry beautifully with the sizzling chicken.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Carefully lay the chicken breasts down and sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The goal here is to achieve a stunning golden-brown crust which locks in juices and builds a deep flavor base before baking.
Step 4: Coat and Bake
Once your chicken is seared, pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each breast, making sure every piece is coated with those beautiful herbs and melted butter. Transfer the skillet straight into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the inside reaches a safe 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is perfectly cooked through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After removing the skillet from the oven, allow the chicken breasts to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute through the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender. Then get ready to savor a dish everyone will ask you to make again.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a small drizzle of extra garlic butter right before serving adds that vibrant, fresh touch. A little lemon zest over the top can also lend a bright zing that contrasts beautifully with the richer buttery notes.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a light arugula salad for balance. Steamed green beans or a simple quinoa pilaf also make excellent companions to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, try serving the chicken sliced atop a bed of fluffy couscous or wild rice, letting the garlic butter sauce drizzle down the sides. You can also plate the breasts next to a colorful medley of roasted vegetables for a visually stunning dish that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keeping it covered prevents drying out and helps retain the rich, buttery flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe containers. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it fully in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a low oven at 325°F (160°C) or microwave it on a medium setting. Adding a small splash of water or extra butter can help restore moisture during reheating, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful rather than dry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. This ensures even cooking and allows the garlic butter to penetrate the meat properly.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs have a concentrated flavor. Fresh herbs add a brighter, fresher taste and a lovely vibrant look to the dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter or olive oil. The garlic and herbs will still provide plenty of flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The meat should be white and juices should run clear.
Is it possible to grill instead of bake this chicken?
Yes, you can sear the chicken on the grill then brush with the garlic butter mixture and continue cooking covered until done. However, baking helps keep all the buttery goodness sealed in perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a simple Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe done just right, and this one has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals for any occasion. It’s effortless yet impressive, healthy yet indulgent, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen classic!
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
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and melted butter, seared to golden perfection on the stovetop before being baked in the oven. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garlic Butter Herb Mixture
- 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
Seasonings and Oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken breasts.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped rosemary to create a fragrant herb butter sauce.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust, sealing in the juices.
- Add Garlic Butter: Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before searing.
- This recipe works well with bone-in chicken breasts as well, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
