Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, making sure each breast is fully coated.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a bright, fresh twist.
- If you prefer, use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts; adjust baking time accordingly.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to keep it moist and flavorful.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen, fully thaw the chicken before baking to ensure it cooks through properly.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme to replicate the Italian seasoning flavor.
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken recipe offers juicy, tender chicken breasts bathed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with Italian seasoning and paprika. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, garnished with fresh parsley for an added burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 Boneless (skinless) chicken breasts
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Season the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each breast is fully coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through by ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous touch.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- You can add lemon juice or zest to the garlic butter for a citrusy twist.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Baked Chicken Breast, Easy Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Italian Seasoning Chicken
