4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each, about 1 inch thick)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
Place seasoned chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece. Pour garlic butter mixture evenly over each piece, coating thoroughly.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
For golden-brown top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness without overcooking.
Pound chicken to even thickness if breasts are particularly thick for consistent cooking.
Fresh garlic provides better flavor than jarred minced garlic.
Resting time is crucial for juicy chicken, so don’t skip this step.