Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Juicy and Flavorful

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To make garlic butter baked chicken breast, gather these key ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a juicy and flavorful dish. The chicken breasts are the star here, and the garlic butter adds rich taste. The thyme and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. Lemon juice balances the richness, while parsley adds a fresh, bright touch. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. Fresh garlic packs a punch of flavor that pairs well with chicken. Each ingredient plays a role, making this dish a true winner for any meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Preheating helps the chicken cook just right. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 6 minced cloves of garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Mix in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice from that lemon. Whisk everything until it blends smoothly. This mixture gives the chicken a rich flavor. Take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides. Make sure to coat them evenly. This seasoning enhances the chicken's taste, making it more delicious. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken. Ensure every piece is covered well. This helps the chicken absorb all the great flavors while cooking. Now, put the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) before removing it. For a crispy finish, set the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. This step creates a lovely golden crust. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to settle, making the chicken juicier. After resting, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice look. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. To keep your chicken juicy, start with the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor and helps retain moisture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, making each bite tender and tasty. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to fit your taste. You can add more garlic for a stronger flavor. If you love herbs, try using more thyme. A dash of cayenne pepper can bring some heat. The lemon juice adds bright flavor, so don't skip it! Taste the garlic butter mixture before pouring it on the chicken. This way, you can tweak it to your liking. Remember, the seasonings not only flavor the chicken but also enhance its overall taste. Serve your garlic butter baked chicken with simple sides. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pair well. Mashed potatoes or rice soak up delicious juices. You can also serve it with crusty bread to enjoy every drop of garlic butter. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This adds freshness and makes the dish look great. Your family and friends will love this meal! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken breasts in the garlic butter mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This enhances the flavor and tenderness. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma and flavor. If you have other fresh herbs like rosemary or basil, feel free to mix them in for a unique twist! Check Doneness with a Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let It Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Think about bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus. These add color and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them into the baking dish with the chicken. The veggies will soak up the garlic butter, making them tasty too. Bake them together, and enjoy a full meal in one dish. Herbs bring a fresh taste to garlic butter baked chicken. You can switch thyme for rosemary or oregano. Each herb adds a unique flavor. Fresh herbs provide a brighter taste than dried ones. If you use dried herbs, remember to use less. Start with half the amount. You can also mix herbs for a fun twist. Experiment and find your favorite combination! If you like spice, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mix. Start with a small amount, like a pinch, and taste it. You can always add more if you want more heat. This makes the chicken flavorful and exciting. Serve it with cooling sides like yogurt or creamy dips to balance the spice. To keep your garlic butter baked chicken breast fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within two days. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving again. You can freeze the chicken if you want to save it longer. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It stays good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. You can tell the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cut into the thickest part to check for pink. If it’s no longer pink, it’s ready to eat. Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes, as thighs may need a bit longer. Many sides go well with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - A fresh garden salad - Quinoa or rice Making garlic butter is easy! Here’s how: 1. Melt butter in a bowl. 2. Add minced garlic, thyme, and lemon juice. 3. Mix until combined. 4. Use it in your recipe or store it in the fridge. Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time. Mix it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using. In this post, we covered a simple garlic butter chicken recipe. You learned about the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for juicy results. We also shared fun variations and helpful storage info. Cooking this dish is easy and satisfying. You can enjoy this meal with different sides or adapt it to your taste. Try it out, and make a delicious dinner tonight!

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Are you ready to savor a dish that’s both juicy and bursting with flavor? My Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe will transform your dinner routine. With simple ingredients like tender chicken, rich butter, and fresh herbs, this dish is easy to make and a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the steps to create mouthwatering chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Delicious Flavor Combination: The garlic and butter mixture infuses the chicken with rich flavor, making every bite succulent and satisfying.
  2. Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, making it easy to prepare any night of the week.
  3. Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  4. Versatile Pairing: This baked chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to rice, making it a flexible option for any meal.

Ingredients

To make garlic butter baked chicken breast, gather these key ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 1 lemon, zested and juiced

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients work together to create a juicy and flavorful dish. The chicken breasts are the star here, and the garlic butter adds rich taste. The thyme and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. Lemon juice balances the richness, while parsley adds a fresh, bright touch.

Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. Fresh garlic packs a punch of flavor that pairs well with chicken. Each ingredient plays a role, making this dish a true winner for any meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Preheating helps the chicken cook just right.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 6 minced cloves of garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Mix in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice from that lemon. Whisk everything until it blends smoothly. This mixture gives the chicken a rich flavor.

Season the Chicken Breasts

Take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides. Make sure to coat them evenly. This seasoning enhances the chicken’s taste, making it more delicious.

Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken. Ensure every piece is covered well. This helps the chicken absorb all the great flavors while cooking.

Baking Time and Broiling

Now, put the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) before removing it. For a crispy finish, set the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. This step creates a lovely golden crust.

Rest and Garnish

Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to settle, making the chicken juicier. After resting, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice look. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Juicy Chicken

To keep your chicken juicy, start with the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor and helps retain moisture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, making each bite tender and tasty.

Adjusting Seasonings

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to fit your taste. You can add more garlic for a stronger flavor. If you love herbs, try using more thyme. A dash of cayenne pepper can bring some heat. The lemon juice adds bright flavor, so don’t skip it! Taste the garlic butter mixture before pouring it on the chicken. This way, you can tweak it to your liking. Remember, the seasonings not only flavor the chicken but also enhance its overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your garlic butter baked chicken with simple sides. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pair well. Mashed potatoes or rice soak up delicious juices. You can also serve it with crusty bread to enjoy every drop of garlic butter. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This adds freshness and makes the dish look great. Your family and friends will love this meal!

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken breasts in the garlic butter mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This enhances the flavor and tenderness.
  2. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma and flavor. If you have other fresh herbs like rosemary or basil, feel free to mix them in for a unique twist!
  3. Check Doneness with a Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  4. Let It Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.

Variations

Adding Vegetables

You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Think about bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus. These add color and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them into the baking dish with the chicken. The veggies will soak up the garlic butter, making them tasty too. Bake them together, and enjoy a full meal in one dish.

Cooking with Different Herbs

Herbs bring a fresh taste to garlic butter baked chicken. You can switch thyme for rosemary or oregano. Each herb adds a unique flavor. Fresh herbs provide a brighter taste than dried ones. If you use dried herbs, remember to use less. Start with half the amount. You can also mix herbs for a fun twist. Experiment and find your favorite combination!

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken

If you like spice, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mix. Start with a small amount, like a pinch, and taste it. You can always add more if you want more heat. This makes the chicken flavorful and exciting. Serve it with cooling sides like yogurt or creamy dips to balance the spice.

Storage Info

Leftover Storage Recommendations

To keep your garlic butter baked chicken breast fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within two days.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving again.

Freezing Options

You can freeze the chicken if you want to save it longer. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It stays good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How can I tell when the chicken is done?

You can tell the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cut into the thickest part to check for pink. If it’s no longer pink, it’s ready to eat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes, as thighs may need a bit longer.

What sides pair well with garlic butter baked chicken breast?

Many sides go well with this dish. Here are a few ideas:

– Roasted vegetables

– Garlic mashed potatoes

– Steamed green beans

– A fresh garden salad

– Quinoa or rice

How to make garlic butter from scratch?

Making garlic butter is easy! Here’s how:

1. Melt butter in a bowl.

2. Add minced garlic, thyme, and lemon juice.

3. Mix until combined.

4. Use it in your recipe or store it in the fridge.

Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time. Mix it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using.

In this post, we covered a simple garlic butter chicken recipe. You learned about the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for juicy results. We also shared fun variations and helpful storage info.

Cooking this dish is easy and satisfying. You can enjoy this meal with different sides or adapt it to your taste. Try it out, and make a delicious dinner tonigh

To make garlic butter baked chicken breast, gather these key ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a juicy and flavorful dish. The chicken breasts are the star here, and the garlic butter adds rich taste. The thyme and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. Lemon juice balances the richness, while parsley adds a fresh, bright touch. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. Fresh garlic packs a punch of flavor that pairs well with chicken. Each ingredient plays a role, making this dish a true winner for any meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Preheating helps the chicken cook just right. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 6 minced cloves of garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Mix in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice from that lemon. Whisk everything until it blends smoothly. This mixture gives the chicken a rich flavor. Take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides. Make sure to coat them evenly. This seasoning enhances the chicken's taste, making it more delicious. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken. Ensure every piece is covered well. This helps the chicken absorb all the great flavors while cooking. Now, put the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) before removing it. For a crispy finish, set the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. This step creates a lovely golden crust. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to settle, making the chicken juicier. After resting, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice look. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. To keep your chicken juicy, start with the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor and helps retain moisture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, making each bite tender and tasty. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to fit your taste. You can add more garlic for a stronger flavor. If you love herbs, try using more thyme. A dash of cayenne pepper can bring some heat. The lemon juice adds bright flavor, so don't skip it! Taste the garlic butter mixture before pouring it on the chicken. This way, you can tweak it to your liking. Remember, the seasonings not only flavor the chicken but also enhance its overall taste. Serve your garlic butter baked chicken with simple sides. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pair well. Mashed potatoes or rice soak up delicious juices. You can also serve it with crusty bread to enjoy every drop of garlic butter. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This adds freshness and makes the dish look great. Your family and friends will love this meal! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken breasts in the garlic butter mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This enhances the flavor and tenderness. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma and flavor. If you have other fresh herbs like rosemary or basil, feel free to mix them in for a unique twist! Check Doneness with a Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let It Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Think about bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus. These add color and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them into the baking dish with the chicken. The veggies will soak up the garlic butter, making them tasty too. Bake them together, and enjoy a full meal in one dish. Herbs bring a fresh taste to garlic butter baked chicken. You can switch thyme for rosemary or oregano. Each herb adds a unique flavor. Fresh herbs provide a brighter taste than dried ones. If you use dried herbs, remember to use less. Start with half the amount. You can also mix herbs for a fun twist. Experiment and find your favorite combination! If you like spice, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mix. Start with a small amount, like a pinch, and taste it. You can always add more if you want more heat. This makes the chicken flavorful and exciting. Serve it with cooling sides like yogurt or creamy dips to balance the spice. To keep your garlic butter baked chicken breast fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within two days. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving again. You can freeze the chicken if you want to save it longer. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It stays good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. You can tell the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cut into the thickest part to check for pink. If it’s no longer pink, it’s ready to eat. Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes, as thighs may need a bit longer. Many sides go well with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - A fresh garden salad - Quinoa or rice Making garlic butter is easy! Here’s how: 1. Melt butter in a bowl. 2. Add minced garlic, thyme, and lemon juice. 3. Mix until combined. 4. Use it in your recipe or store it in the fridge. Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time. Mix it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using. In this post, we covered a simple garlic butter chicken recipe. You learned about the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for juicy results. We also shared fun variations and helpful storage info. Cooking this dish is easy and satisfying. You can enjoy this meal with different sides or adapt it to your taste. Try it out, and make a delicious dinner tonight!

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

A deliciously baked chicken breast infused with garlic and butter, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 piece lemon, zested and juiced
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme leaves, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth mixture.
  • Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and fresh black pepper, ensuring an even coating for flavor enhancement.
  • Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, allowing the flavor to soak in during cooking.
  • Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
  • For a delightful crispy finish, set your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This will create a beautiful golden crust on the chicken. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
  • After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This step helps retain the juices, making the chicken more tender when sliced.
  • For a beautiful presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Notes

For a crispy finish, broil for the last few minutes of cooking.
Keyword baked, butter, chicken, garlic

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