Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

$To make garlic butter baked chicken breast, you need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 6 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter dish. Fresh herbs can replace dried herbs. If you don’t have thyme, try oregano or rosemary. For garlic lovers, use garlic powder if you run out of fresh garlic. Lemon juice adds brightness, but vinegar can work too. To make this dish, gather these kitchen tools: - A baking dish to hold the chicken - A small bowl for mixing the garlic butter - A whisk or spoon to combine the ingredients - A meat thermometer to check the chicken’s doneness - A cutting board and knife for chopping parsley and garlic {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to cooking the chicken evenly. A hot oven helps seal in juices and flavors. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir it well. This mixture adds rich flavor and keeps the chicken moist. You can smell the garlic and herbs already! Take your chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in a greased baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, coating it well. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning. This step gives the chicken a nice golden crust that makes it even more tempting. Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices settle back into the meat, making it tender and juicy. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal! To make your garlic butter baked chicken stand out, use fresh herbs. Fresh thyme adds a lovely flavor. You can also try rosemary or oregano. Combine herbs with smoked paprika for a smokier taste. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper. This step is key for taste. Don't hold back; a good amount makes a difference. Juicy chicken comes from a few simple tricks. First, make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and don’t dry out. Next, don't skip the resting step after baking. Letting the chicken rest for five minutes keeps it juicy. Cover it loosely with foil while it rests. This helps keep the heat in. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The safe temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, look for clear juices. If the juices run clear, your chicken is likely done. You can also cut into the chicken. If it's no longer pink inside, it's ready to eat. Pro Tips Brine for Juiciness: Soak the chicken breasts in a simple brine solution (water and salt) for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance moisture and flavor. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add a vibrant flavor. If you can, opt for fresh over dried for the best results. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender bite. Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices or herbs to the garlic butter mixture for a unique twist, such as rosemary or oregano. {{image_2}} You can boost flavor with fresh herbs. Try fresh rosemary or basil. These herbs add a nice twist to the garlic butter. Chop them finely and mix them into your garlic butter. This will create a fresh taste. You can also use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones. Just remember to use less dried than fresh. If you love some heat, add red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick to the chicken. You can also use cayenne pepper for more spice. Just a pinch can go a long way. Mix these spices into your garlic butter. This will make your chicken exciting and full of flavor. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. Garlic butter baked chicken pairs well with many sides. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a healthy meal. Mashed potatoes also go great with this dish. You can even add a crisp salad. A light lemon vinaigrette works well with the flavors. For a cozy meal, try serving it with rice or quinoa. These options add texture and balance to the dish. To keep your garlic butter baked chicken breast fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool to room temperature first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. You can reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying it out. If you have extra chicken, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Bake garlic butter chicken breast for 25 to 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook through. Always check the internal temperature for safety. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Yes, you can marinate the chicken in garlic butter. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy. You can even marinate it overnight for a stronger taste. Many sides go well with garlic butter baked chicken. Here are some great choices: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted potatoes - Garlic bread - Fresh salad - Rice pilaf These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken. You can use bone-in chicken breasts, but the cooking time will change. Bone-in pieces often take longer to cook. Bake them for about 35 to 40 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they are safe to eat. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken breast. This blog post covered how to make a tasty garlic butter chicken breast. We discussed ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions to cook it just right. I shared tips to keep it juicy and offered spice and herb variations to enhance flavor. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them well. Now you can enjoy this dish any time you want. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

A delicious and easy recipe for chicken breasts baked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 piece lemon, zested and juiced
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish, and pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each breast.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
If desired, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to create a golden crust on the chicken. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your choice of sides.

Notes

For a crispy finish, broil the chicken for the last few minutes.

Keyword baked, butter, chicken, garlic