Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is one of those incredible dishes that can turn a simple weekday dinner into something special without straining your wallet or taking up half your evening. When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was searching for something satisfying, comforting, and, importantly, quick to prepare. The combination of chicken, buttery garlic goodness, and a hint of paprika creates a flavor explosion that leaves you longing for more. With each tender bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors melting together, making it an instant favorite in our home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

This dish balances mouthwatering flavors and effortless preparation—perfect for busy families or anyone who wants to impress guests with minimal effort! Whether you serve it with roasted veggies or a simple salad, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast will have everyone coming back for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try this; it has become a staple in our dinner rotation, and I’m sure it will find a place in yours, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes from oven to table!
Irresistible Flavor: A delightful blend of garlic and butter brings your chicken to another level.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown, perfectly baked chicken that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Works great for family dinners, meal prepping, or a cozy night in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 chicken breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are perfect as they remain juicy while cooking. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
4 tablespoons butter: This is the star that brings richness; you can use unsalted butter for better control of the saltiness.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor; pre-minced garlic works in a pinch but might lack some depth.
1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a lovely color and a hint of smokiness; smoked paprika can enhance the flavor even further.
Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings elevate the dish—always opt for fresh ground pepper for the best taste!
Fresh parsley for garnish: This adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. You could also use fresh thyme or rosemary for something a little different.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking, creating that irresistible golden-brown exterior.

Melt Butter and Add Garlic: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can add a bitter taste.

Prepare Chicken Breasts: Take your chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Since they will soak up all that delicious garlic butter, make sure they’re spaced out evenly for best cooking.

Pour Garlic Butter: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated. No need to leave any of that buttery goodness behind!

Season: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste, right over the chicken. This adds both flavor and a gorgeous color. Feel free to sprinkle a bit more if you like a bit of extra pop!

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken; it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Your kitchen will be filled with the most wonderful garlic aroma during this time!

Garnish & Serve: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven, and garnish your chicken with fresh parsley. This not only adds flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze your chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Just a heads up—while the flavors will still be delicious, the texture might be a little different once thawed.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid drying out: Make sure to monitor the chicken as it cooks and use a thermometer to check for doneness.
Bring to room temperature: Let your chicken sit out for about 15-30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Add crunch: For a crispy topping, broil on high for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Herb boost: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter for an aromatic twist.
Meal prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep; just cook a larger batch, and you’ll have tasty lunches for the week!

Whatever the occasion, Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast will undoubtedly become a go-to dish. The wonderful flavors of garlic and butter combined with the tender chicken create an unforgettable meal perfect for any night of the week. I encourage you to experiment with different herbs and sides to make it your own. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just remember to thaw them completely before cooking. The best method is to let them sit in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and cover it with the garlic butter mixture. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, which enhances the flavors as it marinates.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes. The creamy textures complement the rich chicken and garlic flavor wonderfully!

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! Just ensure your baking dish is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken without overcrowding, as that can affect cooking time and ensure even browning. You may need to increase your baking time slightly, so just watch for that golden color!

More Main Dishes Recipes

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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: NO DATA
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a delicious and simple meal that brings together tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and a hint of paprika. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting family meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter over them.
Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper on top.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic butter for 30 minutes before baking.
Serve alongside your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.