If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet impressively flavorful main dish, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with fragrant herbs create a perfect harmony of rich and fresh flavors. The baking process locks in moisture, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve guests. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a staple in your cooking repertoire for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe relies on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that together build layers of incredible flavor. Each one plays a crucial role from adding richness to bright herbal notes and just the right amount of seasoning.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star ingredient that becomes beautifully tender when baked.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds creaminess and helps carry the garlic and herbs to every bite.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that signature pungent aroma and savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, slightly peppery element to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Infuses earthy, pine-like flavor for warmth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Adds a distinctive, woodsy aroma that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the chicken creating a golden crust before baking.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Season
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. While it heats up, thoroughly season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step seasons the meat itself, ensuring every bite has a well-balanced taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary. This blend is what transforms a simple chicken breast into an aromatic, flavorful masterpiece. The butter acts as a carrier for the herbs and garlic, making sure their essence seeps deep into the chicken as it bakes.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Searing not only enhances flavor through caramelization but also helps to lock in the chicken’s juices before baking.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter and Bake
Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated in that luscious, herb-infused sauce. Then, transfer the skillet straight into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This slow bake allows the flavors to meld perfectly while keeping the chicken wonderfully moist.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute through the meat, giving you a tender, juicy result. Then you’re all set to plate and enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or thyme right on top before serving. A tiny wedge of lemon on the side also brightens the buttery richness with a hint of acidity that complements the garlic.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs exceptionally well with light and vibrant sides. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots, fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the buttery juices, or a fresh garden salad for a crisp contrast. The versatility makes it an easy dish to adapt to whatever mood you’re in.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor at gatherings, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a platter drizzled with extra garlic herb butter sauce. Alternatively, lay the baked chicken over a bed of herbed rice or creamy polenta for a comforting, visually appealing meal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover garlic butter baked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to 3 days and remain moist thanks to the buttery sauce.
Freezing
If you want a quick meal ready in a pinch, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the chicken’s tender texture and rich flavor.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out your chicken, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil. Adding a splash of water or extra butter helps rejuvenate the sauce and keeps the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor, dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs, as their flavor is more concentrated.
Can I make this recipe without butter for a dairy-free version?
You can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or additional olive oil. The garlic and herbs will still infuse the chicken with wonderful flavor.
What is the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy chicken.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger skillet or baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly. Make sure the pieces have enough space to brown properly without overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together effortlessly. The combination of tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and fresh herbs creates a meal that’s deeply satisfying and packed with flavor. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—it might just become a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine.
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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Tender and flavorful garlic butter baked chicken breasts seared to perfection and oven-baked with a fragrant herb-infused butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe delivers juicy chicken infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garlic Butter Herb 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
Seasoning & Cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) ensuring it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with 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 each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a desirable golden-brown crust.
- Add Garlic Butter: Pour the garlic butter herb mixture evenly over the seared chicken, making sure all breasts are thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through but remains juicy.
- Substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried if fresh are unavailable.
- For added flavor, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
