Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe Everyone Loves

Tender chicken breasts glazed with garlic butter promise a mouthwatering dinner that sizzles with flavor and simplicity.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Every juicy bite delivers a rich, savory experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to succulent meat infused with aromatic garlic and smooth, melted butter.

Home cooks can nail this dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, these garlic butter baked chicken breasts will become your new go-to meal that impresses without stress.

Dive into this foolproof recipe and watch dinnertime transform into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for tender, juicy results; opt for organic or free-range for richer flavor.

• Dried Basil, Oregano, Thyme: These Mediterranean herbs bring vibrant, earthy notes that elevate the chicken's taste; look for freshly dried herbs with intense aroma.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, concentrated garlic essence without overwhelming moisture; select high-quality, finely ground powder for even distribution.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing natural flavors; kosher salt provides clean seasoning while freshly ground pepper offers robust warmth.

• Butter: Creates luxurious, rich coating that helps seal in chicken's moisture; unsalted butter allows precise flavor control.
• Minced Garlic: Brings pungent, aromatic intensity; fresh garlic cloves deliver more complex flavor than pre-chopped alternatives.
• Honey: Introduces gentle sweetness and helps caramelize chicken's surface; choose raw, local honey for deeper complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides subtle heat and exciting flavor dimension; adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Olive Oil: Ensures beautiful golden sear and prevents sticking; extra virgin olive oil adds subtle fruity undertone.

Equipment Checklist for Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts

• Oven-safe skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan that can go from stovetop to oven.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing the garlic butter sauce smoothly.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's safe internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing and pounding chicken breasts.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing and trimming chicken.
• Small mixing bowl: Used for combining garlic butter mixture.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure herbs and spices.
• Tongs: Great for safely handling and turning chicken during searing.

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts: Cooking Method

• Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a sizzling 425°F to create the perfect toasty environment for our chicken adventure.

• Herb Symphony

Sprinkle a magical blend of herbs across the chicken, letting each spice dance and mingle for maximum flavor excitement.

• Liquid Gold Concoction

Whip together a dreamy mixture of melted butter, crushed garlic, sweet honey, and a hint of spicy pepper to create a mouthwatering glaze.

• Skillet Sizzle

Quickly kiss the chicken with heat in a hot skillet, creating a golden exterior that seals in all the delicious juices.

• Baking Magic

Drench the chicken in the luscious butter mixture and slide it into the oven, letting the heat transform it into a crispy, tender masterpiece.

• Flavor Rest

Allow the chicken to relax for a moment after cooking, letting the juices settle and flavors deepen before serving up pure deliciousness.

Smart Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts

• Flavor-Packed Twists: Mix up your herb blend by using fresh rosemary, tarragon, or Italian seasoning for a different aromatic profile that transforms the chicken's taste.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to dial heat up or down – omit completely for mild lovers or add extra for serious spice enthusiasts who enjoy a kick.
• Protein Swap Options: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or pork tenderloin to create delicious variations that maintain the same incredible garlic butter technique.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra chicken and store in airtight containers for quick lunches. These baked chicken breasts remain juicy and delicious when reheated gently in the oven or microwave, making them perfect for busy weekdays.
• Unexpected Side Pairings: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delectable garlic butter sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Arrange the golden chicken breasts on a rustic wooden board, drizzling any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil for a vibrant pop of color and extra herb freshness.
• Protein-Packed Companion Sides: Pair the chicken with roasted garlic parmesan asparagus, creamy mashed cauliflower, or a light quinoa salad. These sides complement the rich, savory flavors of the garlic butter chicken perfectly.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Enhance your meal with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, zesty wines cut through the richness of the garlic butter and balance the dish's bold herb profile.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Transform leftover chicken into delicious wraps, salads, or sandwich fillings. Slice the chicken thinly and store in an airtight container for easy, quick lunch options throughout the week.

Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts

• Fridge Fresh Forecast: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated chicken stays delicious for 3-4 days, maintaining its juicy texture and robust flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken breasts up to 24 hours before baking. Wrap seasoned chicken tightly in plastic wrap, keeping herb-butter mixture separate until cooking time. Refrigeration helps intensify herb and garlic flavors.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken breasts in freezer-safe wrap, removing excess air. Frozen chicken maintains optimal quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve moisture and taste.
• Reheating Rescue Plan: Warm refrigerated chicken in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Use meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked chicken breasts deliver restaurant-quality comfort with minimal kitchen effort. Italian herbs and melted butter create a rich, juicy protein perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll eagerly devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 chicken breasts (large)
• 3 tbsps (44 mL) butter (melted)
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey
• 1.5 tsps garlic powder
• ¾ tsp dried basil
• ¾ tsp dried oregano
• ¾ tsp dried thyme
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), creating an ideal roasting environment for chicken breasts.
2. Seasoning and Searing: Season chicken breasts with basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear chicken for one minute per side, developing a rich, golden crust.
3. Garlic Butter Creation: Whisk melted butter with minced garlic, honey, and red pepper flakes to craft a vibrant, aromatic glaze that will enhance the chicken’s flavor complexity.
4. Baking Process: Drench the seared chicken with the garlic butter mixture, then transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Roast for 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring tender, perfectly cooked meat.
5. Resting Stage: Remove chicken from oven and allow to rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution and flavor intensification, resulting in a succulent and memorable dish.

Notes

• Tenderize Wisely: Use a meat mallet to create even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Seasoning Secret: Let chicken sit with herbs for 15 minutes before cooking to maximize flavor absorption and enhance overall taste profile.
• Butter Brilliance: Use room temperature butter for smoother blending and more even coating of the chicken, creating a richer, more consistent glaze.
• Temperature Triumph: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing food safety without overcooking the chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg