Description
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”!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F. This high heat will help create a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken while keeping the interior juicy and tender.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent the chicken from sticking.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.
6. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
7. 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.
8. For extra flavor, you can baste the chicken with the garlic butter sauce halfway through the cooking time using a spoon.
9. 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.
Notes
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.
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg