Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

There’s something instantly comforting about a kitchen filled with the scent of melting butter, garlic, and herbs — the kind of aroma that invites people to gather and linger. This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast delivers that warmth: golden, slightly crisp edges give way to tender, juicy meat saturated with a buttery, garlicky glaze. Every bite offers a smooth, savory richness balanced by a whisper of lemon if you choose to include it. It’s the sort of dish that feels like home, whether you’re feeding a busy weeknight family or serving a small, cozy dinner for friends.

This recipe is perfect when you want a quick, reliable main that feels special without fuss. It’s ideal for weeknights (straightforward prep, fast bake), effortless entertaining (looks and tastes elegant), or as a protein-forward option for meal prep. The simple ingredient list also makes it a go-to when your pantry is modest but your appetite is not.

Dish Snapshot

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4 (one chicken breast per person)
Difficulty level: Easy — great for beginners

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (one chicken breast, recipe divided into 4 portions). Values are approximate and based on standard USDA FoodData Central entries for skinless boneless chicken breast and unsalted butter; consult specific ingredient labels for precise numbers.

Calories: ~380 kcal
Protein: ~53 g
Total fat: ~18 g
Total carbohydrates: ~1–2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sodium: ~575–700 mg (depends on added salt and any packaged chicken sodium)

Notes on sources and guidance:

Nutrition estimates use USDA FoodData Central values for cooked skinless chicken breast and butter.
For general guidance on sodium and balanced protein intake, resources such as the USDA and Mayo Clinic provide reliable recommendations.

Why You’ll Love It

Irresistible aroma and flavor: The garlic-butter combo creates an immediate savory appeal — rich butter softens the garlic’s sharpness and lets the herbs sing.
Speed without compromise: Minimal prep and a short bake time give you a hands-off main that still tastes elevated.
Comfort and versatility: It’s familiar and homey, yet elegant enough for company. A reliably juicy chicken breast beats dry, overcooked alternatives every time.
Protein-forward and flexible: High in protein and low in carbs, it fits many meal plans and pairs well with both light and hearty sides.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (see Expert Tips for sizing)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 lemon, sliced (optional)

Optional ingredients and substitutions

Use olive oil instead of butter for a lower saturated fat option.
Fresh herbs (1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp thyme leaves) can replace dried herbs for brighter flavor.
Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
Use reduced-sodium salt or omit the salt if you’re watching sodium intake; adjust to taste.

Step-by-step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme. Stir until combined.
Place chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over them.
If using, arrange lemon slices atop each chicken breast for brightness and a touch of acidity.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). (See Expert Tips for doneness cues.)
Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.

Practical tips

Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning so the garlic butter adheres and the surface browns better.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the oven when the thermometer hits 160–162°F, tent, and let carryover heat finish it to 165°F for perfectly juicy results.
If breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them gently to uniform thickness (about 3/4–1 inch) for even cooking.

Best Pairings

Classic sides: Roasted or mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or a simple lemon-parsley rice.
Lighter options: Arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette, or steamed asparagus.
Comfort pairings: Creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles to complement the buttery sauce.
Quick weeknight plate: Slice the chicken over mixed greens, quinoa, or warm grain bowls for meal prep.
Beverage: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chardonnay pairs nicely; for non-alcoholic, a sparkling lemon water or iced tea refreshes the palate.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Do not leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if ambient temp is above 90°F/32°C) for food safety.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently (oven at 300–325°F or microwave covered at medium power) until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 4 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
(These timeframes follow standard USDA food safety guidance for cooked poultry.)

Chef’s Advice

Choose medium-thickness breasts (about 6–8 ounces each) for even cooking; very large breasts take longer and risk drying out.
If you prefer extra brown on top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
Let the chicken rest after baking; this step makes a measurable difference in juiciness.
For more flavor penetration, marinate chicken in the garlic-butter mixture (cooled) for 30 minutes to 2 hours refrigerated before baking. If you do this, reduce added salt slightly if using salted butter.

Creative Twists

Lemon-Herb Twist: Swap dried parsley and thyme for 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil and the zest of one lemon for brighter, summery notes.
Creamy Mushroom Variation: After baking, remove chicken and make a quick pan sauce with sliced mushrooms, a splash of white wine, and 1/4 cup heavy cream; return chicken to the sauce to coat.
Mediterranean Spin (gluten-free): Add 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup pitted olives to the baking dish; finish with crumbled feta and fresh oregano.
Lower-fat option: Use 2 tablespoons olive oil mixed with minced garlic and herbs instead of butter; finish with a squeeze of lemon.

All Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
A: Yes — but increase baking time to about 30–40 minutes and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part near the bone.

Q: How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
A: Don’t overbake; use an instant-read thermometer and remove when it reaches 160–162°F, then rest. Also, a quick marinate or brine ahead of time adds moisture.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
A: For dairy-free, use a high-quality olive oil or vegan butter substitute. For a vegan main, swap chicken for thick slices of cauliflower steak or portobello mushrooms and adjust baking time.

Q: Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
A: Yes. Slice the cooked chicken and portion with grains and veggies in airtight containers; it keeps 3–4 days refrigerated.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and ensure pieces aren’t overcrowded so heat circulates evenly.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is an effortless way to bring deep, comforting flavor to the weeknight table while still feeling special enough for guests. Try the basic version first to appreciate how few ingredients can produce satisfying results, then explore the variations to keep the recipe fresh. If you want another take with step-by-step photos or different herb combinations, see the detailed inspiration at Primavera Kitchen’s Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, or compare a second riff on the dish at The Cooking Jar’s Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast.

I’d love to hear how your batch turns out — share photos or notes in the comments and join the conversation for more easy, delicious recipes.