Make Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast for Dinner Tonight!

Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor – that’s what you can expect from this easy garlic butter baked chicken breast recipe. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering, restaurant-worthy dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The secret lies in the irresistible garlic butter sauce that bastes the chicken as it bakes to perfection. Get ready to savor every bite of this easy-to-make, yet incredibly delicious “Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast”!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions for Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this delectable “Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast”:

Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help create a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken while keeping the interior juicy and tender.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Season the Chicken

Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. This seasoning will help create a delicious crust and infuse the meat with flavor.

Make the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to bloom and infuse the butter.

Arrange the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

Pour the Garlic Butter

Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.

Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Baste (Optional)

For extra flavor, you can baste the chicken with the garlic butter sauce halfway through the cooking time using a spoon.

Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top. Serve the “Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast” immediately, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

Cooking Tips and Techniques for Juicy, Tender Chicken

To ensure your “Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast” stays juicy and tender, consider these helpful tips:

• Brine the Chicken: Soak the chicken breasts in a simple saltwater brine for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat retain moisture during baking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Baste Frequently: Basting the chicken with the garlic butter sauce during the cooking process helps keep it moist and flavorful.
• Let it Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the “Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast” is a delightful dish on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs

Substitute bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the breasts and adjust the baking time accordingly, usually around 30-35 minutes.

Lemon Herb Garlic Butter Chicken

Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the garlic butter mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken with Vegetables

Toss chopped vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, in the garlic butter and arrange them around the chicken in the baking dish.

Stuffed Garlic Butter Chicken Breast

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally, create a pocket, and stuff with a mixture of cheese, spinach, or your favorite fillings.

As for serving suggestions, the “Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast” pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it with a drizzle of the leftover garlic butter sauce or a creamy dipping sauce on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I ensure my garlic butter baked chicken breast stays juicy and tender?

To ensure your garlic butter baked chicken breast stays juicy and tender, start by brining the chicken in a solution of water and salt for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken retain moisture during baking. Additionally, avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Basting the chicken with the garlic butter sauce halfway through the cooking process can also help keep it moist and flavorful. Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute.

Can I adapt the recipe for different cooking methods, like grilling or slow cooking?

Yes, you can adapt the Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe for different cooking methods. For grilling, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture, then grill over medium heat, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For slow cooking, place the seasoned chicken breasts in a slow cooker, pour the garlic butter mixture over them, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until fully cooked. Both methods will yield delicious results, so feel free to adjust based on your cooking preferences!

What can I do if I don’t have fresh garlic for this recipe?

If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Generally, one clove of fresh garlic is equivalent to about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix the garlic powder into the melted butter along with the herbs to infuse the flavor. Alternatively, you can use minced garlic from a jar or pre-prepared garlic paste, adjusting the amount to taste. Keep in mind that fresh garlic tends to have a stronger flavor, so you may want to start with a smaller amount of the substitutes and adjust as needed.

How can I customize the flavor profile of the garlic butter baked chicken?

You can easily customize the flavor profile of garlic butter baked chicken by experimenting with different herbs and spices. Consider adding Italian seasoning, paprika, or lemon zest to the garlic butter for a different twist. You can also incorporate additional ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try adding honey or brown sugar to the butter mixture. Additionally, incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or onions into the baking dish can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
• Garlic Parmesan Sausage Rigatoni
• Creamy Garlic Boneless Pork Chops
• Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable “Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast” recipe. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and the irresistible garlic butter sauce is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy this flavorful dish as part of a satisfying weeknight meal or a special occasion gathering.

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