Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

• 1.5 – 2 lbs (4) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base of this dish, ensuring a satisfying and healthy meal. Pat dry thoroughly for a better sear.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: The essential fat and **foundation** for our rich garlic butter, providing incredible flavor and moisture. Use good quality butter for best results.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and prevents sticking to the pan. A good extra virgin olive oil is preferred.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture to the pan, creating a delicious, **juicy** pan sauce that keeps the chicken tender. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the rich flavors of the **garlic butter baked chicken breast** and helps tenderize the meat. Freshly squeezed is always best.
• 6-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced: The absolute **star** aromatic for that signature garlic butter flavor. Mince finely for even distribution.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a vibrant, fresh finish and herbaceous note, balancing the richness. Chop just before adding for maximum flavor.
• 2-3 fresh thyme sprigs: Infuses a subtle earthy aroma and elegant flavor throughout the dish. Remove the woody stems before using.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the sauce and helps emulsify the **garlic butter** mixture, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste: Crucial for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all other flavors, making them pop. Adjust to your preference.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Provides a subtle spice and aromatic warmth, complementing the rich flavors. Freshly ground is key for potency.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a lovely color and a hint of smoky sweetness, giving the chicken a beautiful hue. Don’t confuse with regular paprika.
• Lemon wedges, for serving: Perfect for serving, offering an extra burst of fresh citrus to brighten each bite. A must for presentation and taste.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): For a final flourish and added freshness, making the dish visually appealing. Sprinkle just before serving.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Prep Chicken:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This ensures a beautiful sear and helps the flavors penetrate for your delicious Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast.

Make Butter Sauce:

In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and remaining salt/pepper. This rich mixture forms the heart of your incredible Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast.

Coat Chicken:

Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well-coated. Add chicken broth and fresh lemon juice to the bottom of the dish.

Bake Chicken:

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden and incredibly juicy. Baste occasionally with the pan juices for maximum flavor.

Rest Chicken:

Once baked, remove the Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast from the oven. Let it rest in the dish for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, moist chicken.

Garnish & Serve:

Drizzle with extra pan juices, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve your delicious Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast immediately with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal.

How to Store Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

To store leftover Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for optimal freshness, where it will remain good for 3-4 days. Forgetting to refrigerate quickly can lead to spoilage, a mistake I made once. Discard if you notice any off smells or slimy texture.

You can prep the garlic butter mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the juiciest results, assemble and bake the chicken fresh on the day you plan to serve it.

When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it moist.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

To simply **serve** this Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, transfer it from the baking dish to plates, drizzling generously with the incredible pan juices. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. It’s **perfect** served warm, right out of the oven, and **pairs** wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a vibrant side salad. You’ll truly **enjoy** every succulent bite!

My personal favorite way to **serve** this chicken is alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans. The rich garlic butter sauce is **perfect** for soaking into the potatoes, creating a truly comforting meal. Everyone will **enjoy** this satisfying pairing!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use salted butter for this Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added Kosher salt to 1/2 teaspoon or less. Taste the sauce before adding chicken to avoid over-salting, a mistake I learned from. Always adjust seasonings carefully.

→ How do I prevent my Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast from becoming dry?

To prevent dry chicken, always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F (74°C). Crucially, let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this redistributes juices for tender, moist results.

→ How long can I store leftover Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast in the refrigerator?

You can store leftover Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool it completely before storing quickly to maintain freshness and avoid spoilage, a lesson I learned firsthand.

→ Can I make the garlic butter mixture ahead of time for this baked chicken recipe?

Yes, you can prep the garlic butter mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the juiciest results, I recommend assembling and baking the chicken fresh on the day you plan to serve it.

→ Can I double or halve the recipe for Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast?

Yes, you can easily double or halve this recipe. Adjust ingredient quantities proportionally. If doubling, use a larger baking dish to ensure even cooking, otherwise, the chicken might steam instead of bake, which isn’t ideal.