Looking for the perfect way to make juicy chicken breast every single time? This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is your new go-to! It’s simple, flavorful, and fast, ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or culinary skills. Just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes. The result? Tender, golden, and buttery chicken that the whole family will love.
If you’ve ever struggled with dry baked chicken, this method, along with the tips from our guide on how to keep chicken juicy while baking, will transform your cooking.
Still wondering whether to bake at 350 or 400 degrees? You’re not alone! Learn more about the best baking temperature from our article on whether you should bake chicken at 350 or 400.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Super juicy every time, thanks to the garlic butter bath
- No need to marinate
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Low carb, high protein, and gluten-free
- Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or main dishes
Ingredients Needed For Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
To make this flavorful garlic butter chicken, you’ll need:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & black pepper
- ½ + ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Substitutes:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts
- Garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available
- Lemon zest for a citrus kick
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you get started, make sure you have:
- Cast iron skillet (or oven-safe pan)
- Instant-read thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Oven (preheated to 400°F)
How To Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Follow these steps for perfectly baked chicken every time:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C)
- Pat dry the chicken breasts using paper towels
- Season both sides of each breast with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat
- Sear chicken for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown
- In a bowl, mix:
- Melted butter
- Garlic
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the seared chicken
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven
- Bake for 20–25 minutes (or until internal temp is 165°F)
- Spoon extra garlic butter from the skillet over the chicken before serving
Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken
- Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer
- Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing
- Use unsalted butter to control sodium levels
- Pat the chicken dry before searing to get a nice crust
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking – dries the meat
- Skipping the sear – reduces flavor
- Not resting the meat
- Using too much salt if butter is salted
Serving Suggestions
Pair your baked garlic butter chicken with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Quinoa salad
- Garlic bread or sweet potato fries
- Fresh greens with vinaigrette
- Over pasta like our garlic parmesan chicken pasta
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Keep your leftovers moist and flavorful with these tips:
- Store in airtight glass containers for up to 4 days
- Freeze sliced or diced portions for up to 3 months
- Reheat in microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values (based on 1 of 3 servings):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 2g
- Gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly
Recipe Variations to Try
Want to customize this recipe? Here are some fun ideas:
- Add parmesan cheese to the garlic butter for a cheesy finish
- Sprinkle lemon zest or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken
- Swap Italian seasoning for rosemary or thyme
- Use this chicken as a base for garlic butter pasta
- Try the baked pesto chicken for a herby twist
Make It a Full Meal
Complete your dinner table with:
- Garlic roasted potatoes and steamed green beans
- Quinoa with chopped herbs and olive oil
- Couscous or rice pilaf
- Caesar or kale salad with balsamic vinaigrette
FAQs About Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
1. How do you keep chicken breast moist in the oven?
Bake at high heat (400°F) and coat the chicken in garlic butter sauce. Don’t overcook, use a thermometer to stop at 165°F internal temp.
2. Should you cover chicken breast with foil when baking?
Not necessary in this recipe. The butter keeps it moist, and leaving it uncovered gives a crispy edge.
3. Can you bake chicken breast without drying it out?
Absolutely. Use a generous amount of garlic butter, sear before baking, and remove when it hits 165°F.
4. Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
400°F yields juicier chicken with a golden top. At 350°F, you may need a longer cook time, which can dry it out.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Thighs are naturally juicier and work well in this recipe. Adjust bake time slightly depending on size.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe checks all the boxes: easy, quick, juicy, flavorful, and meal-prep friendly. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone craving a delicious home-cooked meal, this recipe never disappoints.
So grab those chicken breasts, butter, and garlic, and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, flavorful garlic butter baked chicken breasts made with fresh garlic, herbs, and butter. A quick, easy, and protein-rich dinner ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp paprika (for sauce)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp paprika.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and ¼ tsp paprika.
Pour garlic butter mixture over chicken.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Remove from oven and spoon garlic butter over chicken before serving.
Notes
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting to retain juices.
Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
Substitute chicken thighs if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: garlic butter baked chicken breast, baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, juicy chicken recipe