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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Juicy garlic butter baked chicken breast on white plate with fresh parsley garnish

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Juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in rich garlic butter sauce. Simple weeknight recipe with restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
  3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
  4. 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.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
  6. For golden-brown top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  7. 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.

Nutrition