Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

This easy garlic butter baked chicken recipe delivers succulent chicken breasts infused with the irresistible flavors of melted butter, garlic, paprika, thyme, and a zing of lemon. The fragrant, savory blend elevates the tender meat, creating a mouthwatering dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special moments with family and friends.

I love this garlic butter baked chicken breast recipe cuz it’s a simple yet nutritious way to enjoy a hearty meal. I start with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a great source of lean protein, and season them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Then I add 4 cloves of minced garlic which not only boosts flavor but also has nutritional benefits like supporting immune health. I mix in 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, a bit of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika to give it a mild kick, plus a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors further.

After baking these for the perfect amount of time, I garnish with fresh chopped parsley. This easy chicken dish packs all the essentials of a great meal and is a perfect candidate for anyone craving a dependable garlic butter chicken dinner.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because I absolutely love the rich, buttery garlic flavor that makes every bite so tasty. I like it because it’s super simple to prepare, even on days when I’m in a rush. I like it because it uses ingredients I always have on hand, so it’s really convenient. I like it because it turns out juicy and tender every time, making it a comfort food I can always count on.

This garlic butter baked chicken recipe is really easy to pull off. First, you melt your butter and mix it with garlic, paprika, thyme, lemon juice, and season it with salt and pepper. You pat the chicken dry, then coat ’em real well with the mixture on both sides. Then you bake the chicken in a 400°F oven for about 25-30 minutes until it’s done and reaches 165°F inside. I always let it sit for a few minutes after taking it out and sometimes sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. It doesn’t take a lot of fancy ingredients or steps, and even if I mess up the timing once in a while, it still turns out great and super flavorful.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: lean, high-protein meat offering a filling, deeply savory backbone for this meal.
• Garlic: rich in antioxidants, intensively adds robust, aromatic flavor and a hint of natural spice.
• Unsalted butter: creates smooth texture and rich taste, balancing the garlic punch perfectly.
• Dried thyme and paprika: add mild herbal earthiness and smoky warmth to the dish.
• Lemon juice: a zesty, tangy squeeze that smartly lifts and perfectly balances butery, garlicky flavors.
• Fresh parsley: a vibrant, nutritious garnish adding natural color and subtle, aromatic herbal hints.
• Salt and pepper: essential seasonings that actively boost and harmonize the overall savory taste profile.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs total)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (feel free to add more if you like a stronger garlic flavor)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional but adds a nice touch)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for a mild kick)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed if you can)
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Mix the melted butter, garlic, paprika, thyme, lemon juice, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.

3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

4. Place the chicken breasts into a lightly greased baking dish.

5. Brush both sides of each chicken breast generously with the garlic butter mixture.

6. If you like more garlic, feel free to sprinkle a bit extra minced garlic on top.

7. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s fully cooked.

8. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.

9. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven.

10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving and enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – You’ll need it preheated to 400°F.
2. Small bowl – For mixing the melted butter, garlic, paprika, thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Paper towels – To pat the chicken breasts dry.
4. Baking dish – A lightly greased one is needed to arrange the chicken.
5. Basting brush – For spreading the garlic butter mixture over the chicken.
6. Meat thermometer – To check that the chicken reaches 165°F.
7. Measuring spoons – To accurately measure ingredients like salt, pepper, and spices.

FAQ

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of unsalted butter, you can use olive oil or even coconut oil if you want a lighter taste.
• If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves, try using about a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove for that garlicky flavor.
• Can’t find dried thyme? Dried oregano works pretty well as a substitute and still adds a nice herby vibe.
• If paprika ain’t your thing or you don’t have it, a pinch of cayenne pepper can give you a mild kick instead.
• No lemon juice on hand? A splash of lime juice will do the trick and brighten up the dish.

Pro Tips

1. Let the chicken sit in the garlic butter marinade for a while, like 15 minutes if you have time, so that the flavors really soak in and make every bite super tasty.
2. Always use a meat thermometer to make sure it hits 165°F, cuz even if the timer pops, the chicken might not be fully cooked yet.
3. If you really love garlic, don’t be shy to sprinkle more on top or even mix in extra into the butter, just be careful not to overdo it.
4. Once it’s outta the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting it; this helps to lock in the juices and keep it from being dry.