Ingredient Tips & Key Flavors
The ingredients here are simple, yet they shine together:
| Ingredient | Tips / Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | Fresh is best, but frozen chicken works if thawed overnight. |
| Butter | Unsalted butter gives better control over saltiness. |
| Garlic | Use fresh cloves for the richest flavor in garlic chicken. |
Preparation Made Simple
Preheat your oven, melt butter, stir in minced garlic, and brush generously over the chicken breasts. Place in a baking dish, cover, and bake until golden. The simplicity of this method makes it a go-to for busy nights, proving that garlic butter sauce truly transforms baked chicken breast into something special.
Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken
Storage & Make-Ahead Advice
Garlic chicken holds up beautifully for meal prep. Once cooled, store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze baked chicken breast slices for up to three months. When reheating, drizzle with a bit more garlic butter sauce to restore moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This breast recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a lighter meal, I love serving juicy chicken over quinoa or rice bowls. On colder evenings, try slicing it into soups for a rich garlic flavor boost.
Garlic Butter Sauce Chicken – Tips & Notes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: The biggest culprit of dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer (165°F is perfect).
- Skipping rest time: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices in.
- Too much garlic: Yes, it’s possible balance is key in garlic chicken recipes.
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen
Every time I make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, I’m reminded of how such a simple dish can feel like home. The aroma of garlic butter fills the kitchen, and the first bite of tender, juicy chicken makes the wait worth it. Whether you’re cooking with frozen chicken or fresh, this recipe is forgiving, flavorful, and always welcome at the table.
More cozy favorites: Meal Prep Protein Bowls and Low-Carb & Clean Eating
Print
Garlic Chicken with Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 30–32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast turns simple pantry staples into juicy chicken with rich garlic butter sauce. Easy prep, fast bake, family-friendly flavor.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb total)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme + 1/2 tsp oregano)
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing color)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment.
2. Pound chicken to even 3/4-inch thickness; pat very dry.
3. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stir melted butter with minced garlic and lemon juice.
5. Brush half the garlic butter under and over the chicken; place in dish.
6. Bake 18–22 minutes, until the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
7. (Optional) Broil 1–2 minutes for light color.
8. Rest 5 minutes so juices settle, then spoon on remaining warm butter.
9. Garnish with parsley, slice, and serve.
Notes
SHORT STORY (≈100 words)
Welcome to my kitchen: where burnt toast turns into a lesson, a dash of spice becomes a story, and every meal is a chance to make someone smile. Hi, I’m Natalie. I grew up in a small Midwestern town where Sunday roasts and potlucks felt like holidays. My grandmother taught me that food carries love better than words ever could. I’ve singed pans and nailed showstoppers, and I still chase that first cozy kitchen feeling. This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast blends old-school comfort with weeknight ease simple ingredients, big flavor, and juicy chicken that brings everyone to the table.
TIPS
Use fully thawed frozen chicken breasts for best texture.
For extra juiciness, dry the chicken very well before seasoning.
Add 1 tsp Dijon to the butter for a gentle tang.
Meal prep: slice and refrigerate up to 4 days; add a pat of butter when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–22 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Chicken
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz cooked)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
❓ FAQ Section
What makes Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast juicy?
Coating chicken with garlic butter sauce and baking covered ensures moisture stays inside. This method is a classic in garlic chicken recipes and prevents dryness.
Can I make this with frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but thaw them first for best texture. Frozen chicken baked straight from the freezer won’t absorb the garlic butter sauce as well.
How long should I bake chicken breast at 400°F?
Bake for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures juicy chicken every time.
What sides go with baked chicken breast?
Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or light pasta dishes make excellent pairings for this breast recipe.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is proof that simple ingredients can create something comforting and delicious. With its golden garlic butter sauce and juicy texture, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to often. From busy weeknights to Sunday dinners, this dish keeps the family smiling around the table. For more cozy meals, you can find me sharing daily recipes on Pinterest and Medium.
