When it comes to classic, easy dinners, baked chicken is always a go-to. But bland, dry chicken breasts? No thanks. This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe transforms simple boneless, skinless chicken into a flavorful, juicy main dish with the help of a rich garlic butter sauce and a handful of dried herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to serve to guests.
Thanks to the combination of butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, and a hint of fresh lemon, every bite is tender and mouthwatering. And with a prep time of just 5 minutes, you’ll have dinner on the table in half an hour — no stress required.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
- Easy to make with minimal prep
- Juicy, flavorful chicken with no dryness
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Works with pantry-friendly herbs
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
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 for serving)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or pastry brush
- Instant-read thermometer
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. If they are very thick, you can pound them lightly to even thickness for more consistent cooking.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Use a spoon or brush to make sure the sauce coats the chicken completely.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
Step 6: Serve
Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Add parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken for extra richness.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Swap the herbs: Use Italian seasoning or fresh chopped rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Use chicken thighs: This recipe also works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs — just adjust the cook time as needed.
- Meal prep friendly: Slice the baked chicken and store in airtight containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in the microwave or a 300°F oven until warmed through
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast pairs perfectly with:
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Rice pilaf or quinoa
- A fresh garden salad
- Crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
Servings: 4
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 44 grams
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Always check the internal temperature to ensure doneness.
Why is my chicken dry?
Overbaking is the main reason for dry chicken. Use a thermometer to pull the chicken out as soon as it hits 165°F.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — you can marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture a few hours ahead for even more flavor, then bake when ready.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I grill this instead?
Yes, you can grill it over medium-high heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, brushing with the garlic butter mixture as it cooks.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a weeknight staple that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you serve it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of rice, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time. The rich garlic butter sauce ensures juicy, tender chicken with a hint of herbaceous flavor, making this a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you served it — maybe with a creative twist or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy every juicy, garlicky bite!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
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 for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. If they are very thick, you can pound them lightly to even thickness for more consistent cooking.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Use a spoon or brush to make sure the sauce coats the chicken completely.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
Step 6: Serve
- Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
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