Quick & Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

Garlic butter baked chicken breasts change ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering culinary experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Rich, aromatic flavors infuse each tender morsel with irresistible goodness.

Home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent.

Succulent meat becomes gloriously golden when kissed by melted butter and robust seasonings.

Crisp exterior and juicy interior create a delightful textural contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

The magic happens when carefully selected herbs and seasonings meld together, creating a symphony of delectable sensations.

How to Bake Garlic Butter Chicken That’s Never Dry

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure rack is in the middle position for even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels
• Trim any excess fat
• Gently pound to create uniform thickness

Step 3: Create Seasoning Blend

• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Craft Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Freshly minced garlic
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes

Step 5: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat

Cook chicken for 1 minute on each side until golden brown

Step 6: Drench and Bake

Pour butter sauce over chicken

Transfer skillet to preheated oven

Bake for 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes

Plate and garnish with fresh herbs if desired

Tips to Keep It Moist and Infused with Garlic Flavor

• Master Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to consistent 1/2-inch thickness for uniform cooking and tender results.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Let seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to help spices penetrate deeply.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature without overcooking.
• Butter Brilliance: Brush additional garlic butter after baking to enhance moisture and intensify flavor profile.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after baking, which helps retain natural juices and ensures succulent meat.

Best Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 4 months when stored correctly.
• Reheating: Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent toughness.

What Complements Garlic Chicken for a Full Meal

• Savor Herbal White Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the herb-infused chicken, cutting through the rich garlic butter with its bright, zesty notes and refreshing acidity.
• Elevate with Roasted Veggie Sidekick: Honey-glazed roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts mirror the sweet-savory profile of the chicken, creating a harmonious plate that balances the garlic butter's richness.
• Spark with Tangy Salad Companion: Mediterranean-style salad with feta, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette provides a cool, acidic contrast that lifts the warm, spicy chicken flavors and cleanses the palate.
• Boost with Crusty Bread Sidekick: Toasted artisan bread or garlic focaccia becomes the perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce, adding texture and extending the meal's flavor experience.

Simple Swaps to Make This Recipe Your Own

• Herb Garden Infusion: Replace dried herbs with fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley for a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile that elevates the chicken's taste.
• Mediterranean Marvel: Swap honey for lemon juice and add crumbled feta cheese on top after baking, creating a tangy and creamy Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Substitute the herb blend with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, then top with pepper jack cheese and chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Replace honey with soy sauce and add grated ginger to the garlic butter mixture, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired transformation.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Stay Juicy Every Time

• Unlock Flavor Explosion: The combination of herbs, garlic butter, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Super Quick Cooking Method: From prep to plate, this recipe takes just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is tight and hunger is high.
• Restaurant-Quality Results at Home: Searing and baking technique guarantees a golden-brown exterior with a juicy, tender interior that rivals professional chef-prepared chicken dishes.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The simple yet bold seasoning blend appeals to both adults and kids, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

What You Need for This Simple Yet Flavorful Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Large, lean protein with mild flavor that absorbs seasonings well; best when fresh and at room temperature before cooking.

• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme: Aromatic herbs that provide depth and classic Mediterranean seasoning profile.
• Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Foundational seasonings that enhance chicken's natural taste and create balanced flavor layer.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the overall dish.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for sauce with classic dairy richness; unsalted preferred for better seasoning control.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh, pungent ingredient that delivers intense aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create caramelization on chicken surface.
• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking oil with good searing properties and heart-healthy characteristics.

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic butter baked chicken breasts deliver pure comfort with minimal effort. Juicy chicken nestled in herb-infused butter melts in your mouth, promising a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 large chicken breasts

Herbs and Seasonings:

• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Garlic Butter Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (44 milliliters) melted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C), ensuring a scorching environment that will transform the chicken into a golden, crispy masterpiece.
2. Carefully slice and tenderize the chicken breasts to create uniform thickness, then lavishly coat with a harmonious blend of basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, infusing each morsel with an explosion of herbal complexity.
3. Craft a luscious garlic butter elixir by whisking melted butter with finely minced garlic, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes, creating a glaze that promises to elevate the chicken’s flavor profile.
4. Ignite a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, introducing a splash of olive oil, then swiftly sear the seasoned chicken for a mere minute on each side, developing a tantalizingly caramelized exterior that locks in succulent juices.
5. Generously cascade the prepared garlic butter mixture over the seared chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic concoction.
6. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 6-8 minutes until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), promising a perfectly cooked, juicy result.
7. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest momentarily, allowing the internal juices to redistribute and intensify the overall flavor, creating a truly memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Resting ensures juicy, tender meat by allowing internal juices to redistribute evenly throughout the chicken breasts.
• Searing locks in flavor and creates a delectable golden-brown crust that enhances the overall taste experience.
• Blending herbs and spices creates a complex, aromatic seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 100mg