Introduction

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners. Juicy chicken breasts are baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with herbs for an irresistible meal.

The image shows cooked chicken breasts cut into thick slices and arranged close together in a white pan. The chicken is golden brown with visible grill marks on top, and it is covered with small chopped herbs and garlic bits, adding texture and green and light yellow colors on the surface. The pan holds a small amount of light olive oil mixed with herbs and garlic, giving a shiny look to the chicken. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each piece, making sure they are well coated.
Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Step 5: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme can be used instead of dried for a brighter taste.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle kick.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

The image shows a pan filled with grilled chicken breasts cut into thick slices. Each piece is golden brown with char marks and topped with small pieces of melted butter, chopped herbs, and small bits of garlic. The chicken sits in a light sauce with visible oil and sprinkled herbs, creating a shiny, appetizing look. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used and may add more juiciness. Adjust the baking time to about 35-40 minutes or until fully cooked.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C). The chicken juices running clear is also a good indicator.

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts infused with rich butter and fragrant garlic flavors. Enhanced with herbs like parsley and thyme, it’s a simple yet flavorful method to achieve a deliciously moist chicken dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning & Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken evenly.
Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, and dried thyme, stirring well to blend all the flavors together.
Season the chicken breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Coat chicken with garlic butter: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, then brush them thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture, making sure each piece is well coated.
Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender meat.
Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges if desired and serve immediately, pairing well with sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.