Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

I have perfected my rendition of easy chicken breast featuring tender, boneless chicken lightly brushed with melted butter, garlic, and paprika. Infused with a splash of lemon juice and optional fresh parsley, this dish delivers a mix of savory herbs and zesty brightness that makes every bite a delightful experience.

I recently tried my hand at an easy garlic butter baked chicken breast recipe that turned out to be a total game changer. I started off with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, then brushed them with 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and sprinkled in 4 cloves of minced garlic.

I know it sounds simple, but trust me, the garlic really makes all the difference when combined with a dash of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. I also tossed in some dried thyme and oregano for that extra layer of flavor and finished with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Cooking this dish reminded me of classic chicken dinner recipes that have been passed around by family friends. The result was a perfectly baked chicken breast that was bursting with flavor without being overly complicated, kind of like those go-to chicken breast recipes you always keep coming back to.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, the garlic butter marinade is just amazing and really gives the chicken a tasty kick that I cant get enough of. Second, it’s super simple to follow so even when I’m in a rush I can throw it together and still have it turn out great. Third, the chicken always ends up moist and tender coz I end up basting it halfway through, which makes me feel like a pro in the kitchen. Lastly, the lemon and parsley add a nice fresh twist that makes the whole thing feel light and not too heavy.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: High in protein and low fat which boosts muscle repair and fills you up.
• Garlic: Packed with antioxidants that helps boost immunity while giving a sharp, savory kick.
• Butter: Rich in flavor, adds a creamy texture and helps meld all the spices together.
• Lemon juice: Bright and tangy, it adds a slight sour zing that balances the richness.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that provides vitamins and a mild, herby finish as garnish.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and mild spice hitting taste buds.
• Dried thyme: Earthy herb contributing a soft, floral note and a gentle aroma.
• Dried oregano: Offers a slightly bitter, peppery taste enhancing overall complexity.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you really like garlic)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano until well combined.

3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels then place them in the prepared baking dish.

4. Spoon or brush the butter garlic mixture evenly all over the chicken, making sure every piece is covered.

5. Let the chicken marinate in the seasoning for at least 10 minutes if you have the time, but it’s fine to skip if you’re in a hurry.

6. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.

7. Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.

8. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and generously sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven, preheated to 375°F
2. Baking dish, lightly greased
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons and cups
5. Basting brush (or spoon if you prefer)
6. Paper towels for drying the chicken
7. Meat thermometer to check for doneness
8. Knife and cutting board for mincing garlic and chopping parsley

FAQ

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter – You can swap it out with olive oil or even melted coconut oil if you’re in a pinch.
• Garlic – If you don’t have fresh garlic, about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can work just fine.
• Chicken breasts – You might want to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option.
• Lemon juice – Lime juice can be a good substitute if you dont have lemon juice on hand.
• Dried thyme – If you’re out, basil or marjoram can step in to give a similar herby flavor.

Pro Tips

1. If you can, marinate the chicken a bit longer than 10 minutes so the flavours really get to work; extra time means extra tastiness.
2. Remember to baste the chicken a couple of times while its in the oven; doing that helps it stay moist and full of flavor.
3. A meat thermometer is a lifesaver here—check for that 165°F, cause you wanna avoid overcooked or undercooked bits.
4. If your chicken breasts arent all the same thickness, try pounding them a little so they cook evenly; it makes a huge difference.
5. When its time to finish off the dish, sprinkle the fresh parsley generously so you get that pop of color and freshness every bite.