Succulent, juicy, and infused with rich garlic butter, this baked chicken breast is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. With a golden crust from a quick sear and an aromatic herb-infused butter sauce, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
Ingredient Breakdown
The foundation of this dish lies in high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which provide a lean, protein-rich base. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ensures a deep, flavorful sear while keeping the chicken moist. The garlic butter mixture—crafted from melted butter (or ghee for Whole30), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley—creates a luxurious coating that enhances every bite with rich, herby depth. Paprika, divided into two portions, contributes warmth and subtle smokiness, while salt and black pepper work together to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. These simple yet perfectly balanced components come together to create a tender, flavorful chicken breast with a crisp, golden exterior and a juicy interior.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Prepping the Chicken
Seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after seasoning helps enhance absorption, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned.
Making the Garlic Butter Mixture
A blend of melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and paprika creates a rich, aromatic sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. The melted butter ensures even distribution, infusing the meat with a deep, garlicky flavor as it bakes.
Searing the Chicken
Using a cast iron skillet provides an optimal sear, locking in juices and developing a golden-brown crust. Cooking the chicken for just 1-2 minutes per side ensures it remains tender while creating the perfect texture before baking.
Baking to Perfection
Transferring the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven allows the chicken to cook evenly while absorbing the flavors of the garlic butter sauce. Monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer ensures the chicken reaches 165°F, preventing overcooking and dryness.
Finishing Touches
Basting the chicken with the garlic butter sauce just before serving enhances its juiciness and flavor. Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing ensures maximum moisture retention.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right skillet for an even sear and optimal baking results:
Cast iron skillets retain heat well, ensuring a consistent golden crust.
Adjusting cooking time based on chicken breast thickness:
Thicker pieces may require additional baking time, while thinner cuts will cook faster.
Preventing dryness by using an instant-read thermometer:
Checking for 165°F prevents overcooking and guarantees juicy chicken.
Doubling the garlic butter mixture for extra sauce to drizzle over side dishes:
This enhances the overall flavor of accompanying vegetables or grains.
Storing leftovers properly to maintain flavor and texture:
Refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
A heavy-bottomed oven-safe pan or stainless steel skillet works as an alternative.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Adding it to melted butter instead of direct heat preserves its flavor without bitterness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for butter?
Substitute with dairy-free butter or use olive oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Classic Side Dishes: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a buttery rice pilaf.
Low-Carb Options: Serve with steamed broccoli, cauliflower mash, or a crisp garden salad.
Flavor Enhancers: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a side of garlic aioli adds an extra layer of richness.
This garlic butter baked chicken breast is a foolproof recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. With a perfectly crisp sear, a luscious garlic butter coating, and a juicy, tender bite, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Experiment with different seasonings and side dishes to create a meal that suits your taste, and enjoy the simplicity of a restaurant-worthy chicken dish made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons butter, melted (or ghee for Whole30)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon paprika (for seasoning the chicken)
¼ teaspoon paprika (for garlic butter mixture)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of paprika, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Set aside while you prepare the garlic butter mixture.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of paprika. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a rich, aromatic sauce.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each side for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until a golden crust forms.
Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven. Before serving, use a spoon to drizzle the flavorful butter sauce from the pan over each chicken breast, ensuring every bite is juicy and infused with garlic butter goodness. Serve immediately.
Garlic butter baked chicken breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter melted (or ghee for Whole30)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika for seasoning the chicken
- ¼ teaspoon paprika for garlic butter mixture
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of paprika, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Set aside while you prepare the garlic butter mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of paprika. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a rich, aromatic sauce.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each side for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until a golden crust forms.
- Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven. Before serving, use a spoon to drizzle the flavorful butter sauce from the pan over each chicken breast, ensuring every bite is juicy and infused with garlic butter goodness. Serve immediately.
