When it comes to easy and delicious weeknight dinners, Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is a standout. This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of garlic and butter with tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s a perfect meal for those nights when you want something comforting yet simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its golden, flavorful crust and succulent interior. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour, making it a great option for busy schedules. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How to make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the garlic butter mixture.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Tips
- Ensure even cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: This helps ensure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking, maintaining juiciness.
- Resting time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Substitutions or Variations
- Herbs: Substitute dried thyme and parsley with fresh herbs or try other herbs like rosemary or oregano.
- Spices: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Butter alternatives: Use ghee or a mix of butter and olive oil for different flavor profiles.
- Chicken cuts: This recipe works well with thighs or drumsticks too, though cooking times may vary.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out.
How do you keep chicken breast moist when baking?
Keeping chicken breast moist when baking can be challenging, but with a few key techniques, you can achieve perfectly juicy results every time. Here’s a detailed guide on how to ensure your chicken breasts stay moist and flavorful.
- Brining: One of the most effective ways to keep chicken breasts moist is by brining them. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution before cooking. This process helps the meat retain moisture during cooking, preventing it from drying out. To brine chicken breasts, dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 4 cups of water. Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine for at least 30 minutes, then rinse and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
- Pounding: Ensuring the chicken breasts have an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the thicker parts of the chicken breasts to match the thinner parts. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents the thinner sections from drying out while the thicker sections are still cooking.
- Sealing in moisture: Cooking chicken breasts at a higher temperature for a shorter time helps seal in the juices. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side before transferring them to the oven. This searing process creates a flavorful crust that locks in moisture.
- Using fat: Coating the chicken breasts in a fat like butter or olive oil before baking helps keep them moist. In this recipe, we use a garlic butter mixture, which not only adds flavor but also provides a protective layer that keeps the chicken juicy.
- Resting time: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking is essential. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken breast.
What temperature should chicken breast be cooked to in the oven?
Cooking chicken breast to the proper temperature is essential for both safety and achieving a juicy, flavorful result. Here’s a detailed explanation on the best practices for cooking chicken breast in the oven.
- Internal Temperature: The most crucial factor in cooking chicken breast is ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature is recommended by the USDA to ensure that any harmful bacteria are destroyed, making the chicken safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast to get an accurate reading.
- Oven Temperature: For baking chicken breasts, an oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) is ideal. This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust without drying out. Cooking at too high a temperature can cause the outside to cook too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked, while too low a temperature can result in dry, overcooked chicken.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time for chicken breasts will vary depending on their size and thickness. On average, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will take about 20-25 minutes to cook at 375°F (190°C). To ensure even cooking, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking. Checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is the best way to determine doneness.
- Resting: After removing the chicken breasts from the oven, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken breast.
Can you use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Using frozen chicken breasts for baking is a convenient option, but there are some important considerations to ensure they cook properly and safely. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use frozen chicken breasts for this garlic butter baked chicken breast recipe.
- Thawing: While you can bake chicken breasts directly from frozen, it’s generally best to thaw them first for more even cooking and better texture. There are a few safe methods for thawing chicken breasts:
- Refrigerator Thawing: This is the safest method. Place the frozen chicken breasts in the refrigerator and allow them to thaw slowly for about 24 hours.
- Cold Water Thawing: For quicker thawing, place the chicken breasts in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. This method usually takes a few hours.
- Microwave Thawing: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave. Be sure to cook the chicken immediately after thawing using this method.
- Cooking Frozen Chicken: If you decide to cook the chicken breasts directly from frozen, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken breasts will take about 50% longer to cook than thawed chicken. For this recipe, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and plan to bake the frozen chicken breasts for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Ensuring Even Cooking: When cooking frozen chicken breasts, it’s crucial to ensure they cook evenly to avoid any undercooked spots. You may need to cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from drying out while the centers cook through. Additionally, check the internal temperature in multiple spots with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
- Seasoning and Marinating: Frozen chicken breasts won’t absorb marinades or seasonings as well as thawed chicken. If possible, try to thaw the chicken before marinating to enhance the flavor.
How do you know when baked chicken breast is done?
Knowing when baked chicken breast is done is crucial for both safety and achieving a perfectly juicy result. Here’s a detailed guide on how to determine when your chicken breast is properly cooked.
- Internal Temperature: The most reliable way to know if chicken breast is done is by using a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends that chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding any bones, to get an accurate reading. If the temperature reads 165°F, the chicken is done.
- Juices: Another indicator that chicken breast is done is the color of the juices. When you pierce the chicken with a fork or knife, the juices should run clear, not pink. Pink juices can indicate that the chicken is not fully cooked and needs more time in the oven.
- Color and Texture: Properly cooked chicken breast will have a white, opaque color throughout. The texture should be firm but still slightly springy to the touch. Undercooked chicken will appear pinkish and have a raw, slippery texture, while overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
- Cooking Time: While the internal temperature is the best indicator, knowing the general cooking time can help as well. At 375°F (190°C), boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically take about 20-25 minutes to cook. However, this can vary depending on the size and thickness of the breasts. To ensure even cooking, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking.
- Resting: After baking, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken breast.
What side dishes go well with garlic butter baked chicken breast?
Garlic butter baked chicken breast is a versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here’s a detailed guide on some delicious side options that complement this flavorful chicken recipe.
- Vegetable Sides:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus make excellent side dishes. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven while the chicken is baking.
- Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter option, steamed green beans, peas, or mixed vegetables provide a fresh and healthy contrast to the rich garlic butter chicken.
- Potato Dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs beautifully with garlic butter chicken. Add some garlic and herbs to the mashed potatoes to enhance the flavor.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic are another great option. They add a satisfying crunch and complement the savory chicken.
- Grain Sides:
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf with herbs and vegetables is a perfect match for garlic butter baked chicken. The light and fluffy texture of the rice balances the richness of the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with fresh vegetables, lemon juice, and herbs provides a healthy and vibrant side dish.
- Salads:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the rich chicken.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing pairs well with garlic butter chicken, adding a bit of tang and texture.
- Bread:
- Garlic Bread: For a garlic lover’s meal, serve garlic bread alongside the chicken. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra garlic butter sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are a comforting side that pairs well with any main dish. They’re great for sopping up the delicious juices from the chicken.
By pairing garlic butter baked chicken breast with these side dishes, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.