If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken breasts get drenched in a fragrant, buttery garlic sauce infused with fresh herbs, then baked to perfection for a meal that’s simple yet undeniably flavorful. It’s a recipe that turns a humble chicken breast into something extraordinary, perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Get ready to fall in love with this buttery, garlicky goodness that’s guaranteed to become a house favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is carefully chosen to balance flavors and textures, creating a dish that’s both rich and fresh. From the creamy melt of butter to the vibrant zing of fresh herbs, these essentials come together in harmony.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that becomes juicy and tender when baked.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and herbs deeply into the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that signature bold and aromatic punch that defines the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh, earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Infuses an herby, slightly floral note enhancing depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Provides a fragrant pine-like aroma that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to highlight all the natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to develop a golden crust and seal in juices.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) — this high heat is key to cooking the chicken through while keeping it juicy. Next, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance natural flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary. This fragrant blend is the heart of your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe, building layers of flavor that coat each piece beautifully.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. This step locks in moisture and adds an irresistible texture contrast.
Step 4: Coat and Bake
Pour your garlic butter mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts, making sure every bite will be infused with that buttery herb goodness. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety and tenderness.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is now ready to delight!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or thyme right before serving not only adds brightness but also a lovely fresh aroma that complements the buttery garlic flavors. For a pop of color and a touch of elegance, freshly cracked black pepper or a thin lemon zest can be fantastic finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that luscious garlic butter sauce. Roasted or steamed green vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli add freshness and crunch, balancing the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider plating your chicken on a bed of garlic butter sautéed spinach or over a warm quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes for a modern twist. Serving it sliced on top of a crisp mixed greens salad can also transform this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe into a light but satisfying lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken breasts into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken coated lightly with some of the garlic butter sauce helps retain moisture and flavor during storage.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to keep it moist. Alternatively, use the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped loosely in foil, which helps preserve juiciness without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture for your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch; however, fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated.
How can I make the chicken more tender?
Brining the chicken breasts in a simple saltwater solution for 15-30 minutes before cooking can help keep them moist and tender throughout baking.
Is it okay to substitute olive oil with another oil?
You can use other oils like avocado or vegetable oil for searing, but olive oil offers a nice flavor that complements the garlic and herbs wonderfully in this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe.
Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use a larger oven-safe skillet or bake in batches so the chicken breasts have enough space to sear properly and bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is a fantastic go-to that brings comfort and elegance to your table with very little fuss. It’s a foolproof way to elevate simple ingredients into a dish that feels special yet satisfying. Give it a try, and I promise this buttery, garlicky chicken will quickly become one of your most requested meals!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and baked with a flavorful garlic butter herb sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, infused with fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary for a fragrant, savory taste.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides for balanced flavor.
- Prepare garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped rosemary, mixing well to create the flavorful sauce.
- Sear chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust, which locks in the juices.
- Coat chicken with sauce: Pour the garlic butter herb mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts ensuring each piece is well coated to infuse flavor.
- Bake chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- 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 an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through without drying out.
- Fresh herbs deliver the best flavor, but dried herbs may be substituted at 1/3 the amount.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
