This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is everything you crave in a comforting meal, crispy golden edges, tender and juicy meat, and a rich garlic butter infusion that takes it over the top. It’s an easy go-to recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a no-fuss dinner, this dish checks all the boxes.
The best part? You can pair it with nearly anything, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or even a fresh salad. It’s a versatile protein that fits into low-carb, keto, or high-protein diets while satisfying your cravings with buttery, herby goodness in every bite. A true weeknight hero!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, paprika, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush generously with garlic butter mixture.
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Drizzle olive oil on top of the chicken for extra moisture.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for golden, crispy edges.
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Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast – A Juicy, Flavor-Packed Classic
There’s something timeless and comforting about a dish that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is one of those rare recipes that manages to be both exceptionally easy and deeply flavorful. Whether you’re a busy home cook looking for a fast weeknight dinner or someone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, this baked chicken recipe will easily earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Juicy chicken breast is one of the most versatile proteins in the culinary world, and when paired with the richness of melted butter and the bold, savory punch of fresh garlic, it transforms into a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy. This is not your average bland baked chicken breast. The secret lies in the generous use of garlic butter, which keeps the meat tender while infusing every bite with aromatic depth.
Why Garlic Butter Works So Well With Chicken
Garlic and butter have long been culinary companions. Butter adds richness and fat, allowing flavors to coat the palate beautifully, while garlic brings its own sharp, nutty bite and earthy aroma. When the two are combined and used to baste or coat chicken breast, the result is a golden, crisped exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Because chicken breast is a naturally lean cut of meat, it can sometimes become dry when baked. But in this recipe, the melted butter not only delivers deep flavor, but it also acts as a natural barrier, locking in moisture. The result is chicken that’s both well-seasoned and incredibly juicy, without the need for brining or marinating in advance.
What Makes This Recipe So Great?
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No Marinating Required: This recipe relies on quick seasoning and oven roasting to achieve flavor. You don’t need to wait hours for a marinade to work its magic.
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Minimal Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, garlic, butter, olive oil, and basic dried herbs, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in under an hour.
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Customizable Flavors: You can easily tweak the seasonings depending on your preferences. Add chili flakes for heat, Italian seasoning for Mediterranean flair, or lemon zest for brightness.
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One Dish, Easy Cleanup: The chicken is baked in a single pan, which means fewer dishes and faster clean-up, perfect for busy evenings.
Nutrition and Dietary Adaptability
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast fits well into many diets. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb, keto, and paleo lifestyles. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-optional (if you use a vegan butter alternative), and high in protein. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced, clean-eating plan without sacrificing flavor.
Each serving contains around 320 kcal, depending on the size of the chicken breast and how much butter you use. For those monitoring fat or calorie intake, you can reduce the butter slightly or opt for a lighter cooking fat like ghee or olive oil, while still maintaining great taste.
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Garlic Butter Baked Chicken
This chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Depending on your mood or dietary needs, you can serve it with:
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Roasted or mashed potatoes – Classic and comforting.
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Steamed or sautéed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus – Keeps things light and green.
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Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles – Great for keto and low-carb meal plans.
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Garden salad with vinaigrette – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich butter.
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Buttered noodles or pasta with lemon – For a heartier, carb-based option.
The mild flavor of the chicken allows these sides to shine without competing.
How to Ensure Juicy Chicken Every Time
Even though the garlic butter adds plenty of moisture, there are a few additional tricks that can help guarantee juicy results:
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Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking. This ensures they cook evenly and avoid dry, overcooked edges.
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Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness. Pull the chicken from the oven when the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Overcooking is the fastest way to lose moisture.
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Let it rest after baking. Just 5 minutes of rest time allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, instead of running out when sliced.
Ways to Repurpose Leftovers
This recipe makes excellent leftovers and stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chicken can be sliced and reused in:
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Salads: Add to Caesar salad or a chopped veggie mix for a protein boost.
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Wraps: Slice thinly and roll into a tortilla with spinach and a garlic aioli or ranch.
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Pasta dishes: Dice and mix into creamy or tomato-based pasta sauces.
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Sandwiches: Add melted cheese and caramelized onions on a toasted bun for a delicious chicken sandwich.
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Stir-fries or rice bowls: Cube and reheat with vegetables and rice or quinoa.
This flexibility makes it ideal for meal prep or feeding a family over several days.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner, preparing a meal for guests, or prepping your lunches for the week, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction. You can double the batch for a crowd or halve it if you’re cooking for one or two. And because it’s so neutral and universally loved, it appeals to picky eaters and foodies alike.
This recipe is also a great foundation for culinary creativity. Use it as a base and add your own twist, top with shredded cheese for the last 5 minutes of baking, stuff with spinach and mozzarella, or coat in crushed almonds or panko for a crispy crust.
Conclusion
In a world filled with complicated recipes and trendy dishes, sometimes it’s the simple, well-executed classics that shine the brightest. Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is one of those timeless meals, easy, flavorful, and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a tender, buttery, golden-brown chicken dish that pleases everyone at the table.
Perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or quick lunches, this dish proves that less is often more when it comes to comfort food. And once you make it once, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.