Golden Glazed Perfection The Ultimate 30Minute Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Garlic Butter Chicken Breast

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:22 Mins

Servings:4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 6-8 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (Sweet or Smoked)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened
• 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
• 4 thin slices Fresh Lemon (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch). Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning until well combined into a fragrant paste.
• Spoon half of the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the chicken breasts. Allow the remaining butter mixture to sit at room temperature while the chicken rests briefly (10 minutes).
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. If using, place one thin lemon slice on top of each breast.
• Bake for 12 minutes.
• Remove the dish from the oven. Spoon the remaining garlic butter mixture evenly over the partially cooked chicken. Return to the oven and bake for another 6–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Remove chicken from the oven. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole. This allows the temperature to rise to 165°F (74°C) and keeps the meat juicy.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	1241 kcal
Protein	19.3 g
Fat	35.2 g
Carbs	68.2 g
Fiber	25.8 g
Sodium	397 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	American

Unlocking the Secret to Restaurant-Quality Weeknight Meals

There’s a universal struggle in home cooking: achieving that sublime, tender chicken breast that rivals what you get at a high-end bistro. Too often, the result is dry, uninspired protein that screams "I was rushed!" But I’m here to tell you that you can transform that humble poultry staple into something utterly luxurious, quickly and easily. We are diving deep into the alchemy of flavour infusion with our signature Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast . Forget complicated techniques; this method focuses on strategic flavour application and precise temperature control to guarantee succulence every single time. This isn't just another Baked chicken breast recipe ; it's your blueprint for weeknight culinary triumph.

Why This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Steals the Show

This particular preparation is designed for maximum impact with minimum fuss. We’re taking the beloved combination of garlic and butter—a classic pairing for a reason—and leveraging the oven’s dry heat to create a golden crust while sealing in moisture. It’s a showstopper dish masquerading as an easy dinner.

The Myth of Dry Chicken: Debunked Forever

The primary fear when cooking poultry is overcooking. Our Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast sidesteps this entirely by using two critical techniques: ensuring uniform thickness prior to baking and utilizing a meat thermometer to pull the chicken just shy of its final temperature. This allows for carryover cooking to finish the process gently, resulting in meat that retains every drop of its natural moisture. This approach transforms the often-maligned Easy baked chicken breast oven experience into one of pure satisfaction.

Speedy Sophistication: Ready in Under 30 Minutes

Despite the depth of flavour achieved, the actual hands-on time for this dish is shockingly brief. With just 10 minutes dedicated to prep—which involves mixing the potent butter glaze and seasoning the meat—and roughly 20 minutes in the oven, you’re looking at a complete, elegant meal in under 40 minutes total. This efficiency makes it an essential addition to your repertoire for busy evenings.

Meet Your New Go-To: Unbeatable Flavor, Minimal Effort

What elevates this recipe beyond the standard roast is the intensity of the garlic butter infusion. By applying half the mixture before baking and basting with the remainder halfway through, we build layers of savoury richness. The addition of fresh lemon juice cuts through the fat beautifully, creating a balanced profile. This Garlic butter oven baked chicken technique ensures that every fibre of the chicken breast soaks up that golden essence, solidifying its place as your go-to comfort food.

Assembling Your Golden Glaze Components

The heart of this recipe lies squarely in that rich, aromatic glaze. It’s where the magic happens, transforming bland chicken into a flavour bomb. We aim for a paste-like consistency that adheres beautifully to the meat surface, rather than a thin liquid that slides right off.

To craft this, we start with a generous half-cup (one full stick) of unsalted butter. It must be properly softened—not melted—to properly incorporate the other elements without watering down the flavour. Into this creamy base goes four cloves of freshly minced garlic; the intensity of fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. We brighten the profile with one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and deepen the herbaceous notes with one teaspoon of dried Italian Seasoning, finely chopped fresh parsley for colour, and simple salt and pepper. When mixed well, you have the perfect coating for our Garlic butter chicken breast .

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The Essential Pantry Checklist for Succulent Results

Success in baking chicken breast hinges on the quality of the raw ingredients and the tools you employ. Having the right poultry and the ideal seasonings on hand sets the stage for flawless execution.

Choosing Premium Poultry: Selecting the Best Chicken Cuts

For the best Garlic butter roast chicken breast , opt for four medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ideally weighing around six to eight ounces each. If your breasts vary wildly in thickness, a brief tenderizing step—gently pounding them to an even 3/4-inch thickness between plastic wrap—is highly recommended. This simple action guarantees uniform cooking times, preventing the thin end from drying out while waiting for the thick end to reach temperature.

The Power Trio: Garlic, Herb, and Butter Ratios

The balance in our glaze is key to producing a superior Garlic herb butter chicken breast . We rely heavily on the fresh, pungent kick of the garlic, supported by the bright acidity of lemon. For seasoning the chicken itself before the butter application, use one teaspoon of Kosher salt, half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and half a teaspoon of paprika. The paprika is primarily for lending that initial visual warmth and golden hue, setting the expectation for the rich flavour to come.

Must-Have Kitchen Gear for Perfect Baking

While this is a straightforward Oven baked chicken breasts method, a couple of pieces of equipment elevate the outcome. First off,, a standard 9x13 inch baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet will suffice for holding the chicken and catching any flavourful butter runoff. More importantly, you absolutely need a reliable meat thermometer. Achieving that perfect internal temperature of 160° F ( 71° C) before resting is the single most reliable factor in avoiding dry results.

The Seamless Baking Method for Maximum Juiciness

Once your ingredients are prepped and your oven is preheated to 400° F ( 200° C), the assembly process moves quickly. You want to get that rich butter onto the meat as soon as possible to maximize flavour penetration before the heat sets the proteins.

Prepping the Breasts: Slicing and Seasoning Strategies

After pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness, season them thoroughly on all sides with the salt, pepper, and paprika blend. Now, take half of your prepared garlic butter mixture and generously coat the tops of the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly. Place these butter-coated treasures into your prepared baking dish.

If you desire an extra layer of moisture and fragrance, placing one thin slice of fresh lemon atop each breast works wonders during the initial bake.

Mastering the Garlic Butter Infusion Process

The initial baking phase lasts about 12 minutes. This allows the exterior to start developing structure and the butter to melt and begin basting the meat. Once that time is up, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Now is the time to utilize the remaining garlic butter! Spoon the rest of the aromatic mixture evenly over the surfaces. This second application ensures deep flavour saturation right up to the finish line.

Achieving That Stunning Oven-Kissed Exterior

Return the dish to the oven. The final baking duration will be between 6 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven and the exact thickness of your chicken. Crucially, monitor the internal temperature. You are aiming to remove the chicken when the thermometer reads 160° F ( 71° C). Pulling it slightly early is intentional; this sets the stage for the final, vital step.

The Crucial Resting Period: Don't Skip This Step!

This is arguably the most important part of securing a juicy result. Once removed from the oven, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil and let the Garlic butter baked chicken breast rest undisturbed for five minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will climb to the safe 165° F ( 74° C), and the relaxed muscle fibres will reabsorb the released juices. Skipping this rest means those precious liquids flow straight onto your plate instead of staying inside the meat.

Elevating Your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Experience

While this recipe stands perfectly strong on its own, creative cooks always look for ways to personalize their masterpieces. A few simple tweaks can transform this into a Garlic parmesan baked chicken breast or give it an unexpected spicy warmth.

Flavor Twists: Simple Substitutions and Spice Enhancements

If you adore cheese, a light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top during the last five minutes of baking creates a wonderfully savoury, crisp crust. For those who prefer heat, incorporate half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes directly into your butter mixture.

Alternatively, swapping the parsley for fresh rosemary or thyme imparts an earthier, heartier flavour profile, perfectly complementing the richness of the butter.

Understanding the Nutritional Snapshot Per Portion

For those tracking their intake, this preparation remains wonderfully macro-friendly, especially considering the rich flavour profile it delivers. On average, a serving clocks in around 320 calories, boasting an impressive 45 grams of lean protein.

The majority of the fat content comes from the butter, balanced by minimal carbohydrates, making this an excellent choice for low-carb and high-protein diets alike.

Storage Secrets and Serving Suggestions

Leftovers, if you are so lucky to have them, store beautifully, and the flavour often deepens overnight.

Freezing Instructions for Future Flavor Bombs

To freeze, ensure the chicken is fully cooled. Wrap individual breasts tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container. They maintain peak quality for up to three months.

When reheating, thawing overnight in the refrigerator and warming gently in a covered dish with a splash of broth ensures you retain that juicy quality we worked so hard to achieve.

Serving Suggestions

To complete this luxurious meal, pair the Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast with side dishes that can soak up the melted butter sauce left in the pan. Creamy Parmesan Risotto is an indulgent choice, or for something lighter, pair it with simple roasted asparagus or quick-sautéed green beans tossed with toasted slivered almonds. The rich, savoury chicken pairs beautifully with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that provides a clean contrast to the melted butter and garlic.