Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast – Easy & Delicious Recipe

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is the perfect dish for a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal. Infused with the rich taste of garlic and butter, this recipe ensures that each bite of chicken is tender, moist, and mouthwatering. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is bound to impress.

What Makes This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Special?

This recipe shines thanks to the garlic butter sauce that keeps the chicken breasts moist and tender, while also adding a savory richness. It’s an ideal choice for busy evenings when you want something flavorful yet easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a juicy chicken breast with a golden, slightly crispy edge.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, boneless and skinless, ensuring quick cooking and a tender bite.
• Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor of the garlic and seasonings without being too salty.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds vibrant, aromatic flavor that infuses the chicken beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken, helping to lock in moisture and achieve that golden crust.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the garlic butter sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that adds a herby depth to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A garnish that provides freshness and a pop of color.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• For a lower-fat version, swap the butter for olive oil.
• If you’re vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute to keep the creamy, rich texture.
• Add some grated Parmesan for extra flavor if you’re craving something more savory.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal baking results.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Feel free to use additional spices like garlic powder or chili powder for more complexity.
3. Sear the chicken breasts: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and minced garlic.
5. Bake the chicken: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the seared chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Drizzle the sauce: Once out of the oven, spoon some of the delicious garlic butter sauce over the chicken breasts to enhance the flavor before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Pat dry the chicken before seasoning to ensure a nice sear.
• If you want extra butter sauce, increase the amount of butter to 6 tablespoons.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain the juices.
• For even cooking, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, or sweet potato fries for a well-rounded meal. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, serve with a spicy dipping sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

For a variation, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a fresh, tangy twist.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Consider shredding or dicing the chicken before freezing for convenience.
Reheating: Microwave the chicken with a damp paper towel on top to keep it moist, or reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing it ahead of time, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a juicy and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The garlic butter sauce ensures a tender, moist chicken with an irresistible savory richness. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing meals for the week ahead, this recipe is both simple and delicious, making it the perfect addition to any kitchen. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a wholesome, satisfying meal everyone will love!

FAQs

More Relevant Recipes

• Easy Honey Garlic Chicken: This recipe features tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The combination of honey and garlic offers a rich, flavorful experience, making it a perfect companion to the garlic butter baked chicken breast for those who love bold, buttery dishes.
• One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken: A delicious and creamy garlic-based chicken dish, this recipe also brings out the savory richness of garlic, just like the garlic butter baked chicken breast. With a creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a simple yet indulgent option for dinner.
• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup: This comforting soup features creamy Parmesan and flavorful Italian sausage, which complements the garlic butter chicken theme. It’s a hearty dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for cozy dinners, similar in richness to the garlic butter sauce used in the chicken recipe.

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