Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute love for garlic butter baked chicken breast! It’s a dish that brings together the rich, savory flavor of garlic and the lusciousness of butter, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why garlic butter baked chicken breast is a must try. It’s so simple to make, yet feels like a fancy meal! Perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress your friends, this dish is both comforting and delicious. Let’s dive into how to make this culinary delight!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These are the stars of the dish! Make sure they’re nice and fresh for the best flavor and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – This is where the magic happens! Use unsalted to control the seasoning and let the garlic shine.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic lovers, rejoice! Fresh minced garlic will give you that robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the butter.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the rich dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors. You can adjust this to your taste, of course!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just a touch for a mild kick. Feel free to add more if you like things spicy!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This adds a lovely warmth and color to the dish, making it even more appealing.
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and comes out perfectly tender. Just turn the dial or press the button on your oven and let it heat up while you get everything else ready. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic
Now, grab a small saucepan and melt that beautiful unsalted butter over medium heat. It’ll take just a minute or two. Keep an eye on it, and once it’s fully melted, toss in the minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté it until it’s fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn—burnt garlic is not what we’re after here! You want that rich, inviting aroma to fill your kitchen.
Combine Ingredients
Once your garlic is fragrant, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. This is where the flavor magic happens! Give it a good mix so everything is well combined. You’re creating a luscious garlic butter sauce that’ll coat the chicken beautifully. Set this aside for now; it’s almost time for the chicken to shine!
Prepare the Chicken
Next up, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. It’s important to give them a little space so they cook evenly. Now, pour that glorious garlic butter mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor! Don’t be shy—use a spatula to spread it around if needed.
Bake to Perfection
Slide that baking dish into your preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 25-30 minutes. The key here is to check the internal temperature—you’re aiming for 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. If you’ve got a meat thermometer, this is your best friend right now. A perfectly cooked chicken breast should be juicy and tender, not dry!
Rest and Serve
Once your chicken is done baking, pull it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is essential because it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken nice and juicy. While it rests, think about how you want to serve it. Pair it with some roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely touch, too. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Success with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Alright, let’s chat about some tips to ensure your garlic butter baked chicken breast turns out absolutely fabulous! First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your chicken. Fresh, good-quality chicken breasts will make a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you can, look for organic or free-range options—they’re usually more tender and juicy!
Now, let’s talk about the butter and garlic. If you love garlic (and who doesn’t?), don’t hesitate to amp it up! You can add an extra clove or two if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember that the garlic will intensify as it cooks, so adjust according to your taste preference. And speaking of butter, using unsalted is key because it lets you control the saltiness of the dish. However, if you fancy a salted butter version, just cut down the added salt a bit.
Another tip is to let the chicken come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly. And don’t forget to check that internal temperature! Investing in a good meat thermometer will save you from overcooking and drying out your chicken, which is a common pitfall. You want that perfect juiciness!
Lastly, if you’re aiming for that delightful golden-brown crust, consider broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it—you don’t want it to burn! These little adjustments will help you elevate your garlic butter baked chicken breast from good to absolutely amazing. Happy cooking!
Variations on Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Now, let’s get a little creative with our garlic butter baked chicken breast! There are so many fun ways to switch things up while keeping that delicious garlic and butter base intact. Trust me, experimenting can lead to some amazing flavor combinations!
First up, consider adding different herbs! Instead of parsley, try fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. These herbs bring a whole new dimension to the dish and pair beautifully with the garlic. Just chop them finely and mix them into your garlic butter as you would with the parsley.
If you’re in the mood for a little heat, why not sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper? This will give your chicken a nice kick that’s sure to impress if you enjoy a bit of spice. Just a pinch goes a long way, so start small and adjust to your taste!
Another fun variation is to add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of lemon zest to your garlic butter mixture. The brightness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, giving your dish a refreshing zing that’s perfect for warmer weather. It’s like a burst of sunshine on your plate!
Now, if you want to switch up the method, consider broiling your chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. This will create a beautifully crispy top while keeping the inside juicy. Just keep a close eye on it, as broiling can go from perfect to burnt in the blink of an eye!
Lastly, think about adding some cheese! A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a slice of mozzarella on top during the last few minutes of baking can create a delightful cheesy crust that takes this dish to another level. Who doesn’t love a little melty goodness?
So go ahead, mix and match these variations to personalize your garlic butter baked chicken breast. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you love, so let your flavor creativity shine! Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the numbers, I want to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this isn’t set in stone. However, here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect for a serving size of one chicken breast from my garlic butter baked chicken breast recipe:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
So there you have it! This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein to keep you feeling satisfied. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty benefits that come with it!
FAQ About Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before starting. Cooking from frozen is not recommended for even cooking and safety.
What can I do if my chicken breasts are very thick?
If you have thick chicken breasts, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness before baking. This ensures they cook through evenly without drying out.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the garlic butter mixture and marinate the chicken in it a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This will enhance the flavors even more!
What side dishes pair well with garlic butter baked chicken breast?
Oh, so many options! I love serving it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You could even try it with garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal!
For more tips on cooking chicken, check out this chicken cooking chart for safe cooking temperatures.
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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Is A Must Try Today!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic butter baked chicken breast is a must try
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For a crispy top, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Adjust the garlic quantity according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: garlic butter baked chicken breast, baked chicken, garlic chicken recipe
