Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is one of those recipes that effortlessly combines simplicity with mouth-watering flavor. This dish features succulent chicken breasts bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that is both fragrant and inviting. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time yet craving something comforting and delicious. As the chicken bakes, the butter and garlic infuse the meat with irresistible flavor, making every bite satisfying.
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What I love about this recipe is its ability to turn humble ingredients into an unforgettable meal. The cozy aroma that wafts through the kitchen while baking sets the stage for a delightful dinner with family or friends. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and bound to leave an impression as a crowd-pleaser. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking—this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is waiting for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful dinner ready to enjoy.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and paprika creates a lovely savory taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its golden-brown hue and fresh parsley garnish, it looks impressive on any plate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish fits every gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be modified easily for other diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for a quick cook and tender result. For a change, you could use thighs or drumsticks, but cooking times will vary.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and allows control over salt levels. You can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides vibrant flavor; if short on fresh, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds color and a subtle sweetness; smoked paprika could be a delicious twist.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: This gives a pop of color and freshness. If you don’t have parsley, use basil or cilantro for a different taste.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Preheat your oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your chicken goes in.
Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. This step is crucial as it brings out the robust flavor of the garlic.
Prepare the chicken: Place your 4 chicken breasts in a baking dish. Arrange them closely but not overcrowded, ensuring even cooking.
Pour garlic butter: Drizzle the garlic butter over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated. This will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors as it bakes.
Season generously: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste, over the chicken. This will enhance the flavors and add a nice color to the dish.
Bake your chicken: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can check for doneness by ensuring the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Garnish before serving: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds a lovely touch of freshness and color, ready to impress your family or guests.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled chicken for up to 3 months. Just place it in a freezer-safe container, and don’t forget to label it! To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Be mindful that while the flavor remains, the texture may change slightly. Adding a bit of fresh butter or a splash of broth before reheating can help maintain moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid drying out the chicken by ensuring it’s not overcooked; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for a few hours or overnight if time allows.
- Consider covering the baking dish with foil for the first half of the cooking time if you prefer a moister chicken.
- Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the garlic butter for an herbal twist.
- Make ahead by prepping your chicken and garlic butter mixture in advance; then just bake when ready to serve.
Enjoying Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast can truly be a delightful experience that combines comfort and ease. The rich, buttery flavor paired with the aromatic garlic makes it a dish everyone craves. The best part? It’s super simple to throw together, making it a fantastic go-to for busy nights or when you want an impressive meal without the fuss.
Feel free to get creative with sides, perhaps pairing it with a fresh garden salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables for a wholesome dinner. I guarantee that this dish will quickly become one of your favorites to share with family and friends. Happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and offer more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs might take a minute longer to cook through.
How can I make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?
This recipe is already relatively low in carbs. Just ensure you serve it with low-carb sides, like sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles, to keep it keto-friendly.
Can I use pre-minced garlic for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-minced garlic, but be mindful that its flavor is often a bit more delicate compared to fresh. You might want to use a little more than the recipe calls for.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with garlic mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables to round out your meal perfectly!
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📖 Recipe Card
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast delivers an irresistible flavor with minimal prep. Perfect for a quick dinner, it’s made with tender chicken, garlic butter, and fresh herbs that bring comfort and delight to your table.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle the garlic butter over them.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper on top of the chicken.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
Adjust the seasoning according to your preference for a more personalized taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
