Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked chicken breast, bursting with garlic butter flavor. This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken recipe delivers exactly that, and it’s surprisingly easy to make! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe will show you how to create juicy, flavorful chicken breast with a unique lemon zest twist. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
This isn’t just another baked chicken recipe. I’ve added a couple of special touches that elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Lemon Zest: The addition of lemon zest brightens the rich garlic butter flavor, creating a perfectly balanced and irresistible taste.
Brining: Brining the chicken breast beforehand ensures it stays incredibly juicy and tender during baking. No more dry chicken!
Quick and Easy: You’ll have this on the table in 30 minutes or less, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the delicious garlic butter flavor of this chicken.
Ingredients Needed
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt and black pepper
- 1/2 + 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil (extra virgin)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Butter: For a dairy-free version, use your favorite dairy-free butter alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
Chicken Breast: Chicken thighs can also be used, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Olive Oil: I recommend using a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. You can learn more about different types of olive oil and their uses online.
Herbs & Spices: Feel free to experiment with garlic powder, dried oregano, or even a pinch of chili powder for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and set aside. This initial seasoning infuses the chicken with a smoky paprika flavor.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl mix 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, butter, Italian seasoning, parsley, and garlic. Set aside. The aroma of garlic and herbs will start to fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. When the skillet is hot add chicken breast. Sear until golden. It’s about 1-2 minutes each side. The sear creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and locks in the juices.
Searing the chicken is important because it creates the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that produces hundreds of flavor compounds, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken. It also improves the texture. For more information, you can read about the science of the Maillard reaction.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Pour garlic butter mixture over the chicken breast. Place skillet in the oven and cook until cooked through. It’s about 20 minutes or until chicken breasts gets to an internal temperature of 165F. The garlic butter will melt and create a rich, flavorful sauce as the chicken bakes.
The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven. Using a spoon, pour some of the butter sauce left in the skillet onto the chicken breast. Also, if you prefer, top with fresh herbs before serving. The chicken will be incredibly juicy and tender. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Baking Problems
Why is my chicken dry?
Dry chicken can be caused by overbaking, not searing it properly, or uneven thickness. Remember, brining is key to keeping the chicken moist, and always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
Why is my chicken not cooking evenly?
Uneven cooking often happens when the chicken breasts are not of uniform thickness. If needed, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before searing for optimal browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing; sear in batches if needed.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use a regular skillet for searing and transfer to an oven-safe dish.
- Add extra butter for a more buttery sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the chicken, which leads to dryness.
- Not searing the chicken, which reduces flavor and texture.
- Skipping the lemon zest, which adds a bright, zesty flavor.
- Using cold butter, which can make the sauce clumpy.
- Not allowing the chicken to rest before slicing.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven to the correct temperature.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.
Salads: Serve with a fresh green salad or a quinoa salad.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or broccoli salad are excellent choices.
Starches: Rice, mashed potatoes, or sweet potato fries complement the dish nicely.
Drinks: A crisp white wine or iced tea is a refreshing accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven, microwave, or skillet until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken recipe is a winner because it’s juicy, flavorful, quick, and easy to make. The unique lemon zest twist elevates the flavor, making it a truly special dish. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Print the recipe or share it with friends!
If you enjoy easy chicken recipes, you might also like this Cozy Chicken Parmesan Soup.
FAQ
How do you keep chicken breast from drying out in the oven?
Brining, searing, and avoiding overbaking are key! Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
How long do you bake chicken breast?
Baking time depends on the thickness of the chicken, but approximately 20 minutes at 400°F is usually sufficient. Always check the internal temperature.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal texture.
Can I use different herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Experiment with garlic powder, dried oregano, or chili powder to create your own unique flavor.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this chicken?
Salads, roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes are all great choices.
Can I bake the chicken without searing it first?
Searing adds flavor and texture, but baking without searing is possible. However, I highly recommend searing for the best results.
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Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and set aside.
- In a small bowl mix 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, butter, Italian seasoning, parsley, and garlic. Set aside.
- In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. When the skillet is hot add chicken breast. Sear until golden, about 1-2 minutes each side.
- Pour garlic butter mixture over the chicken breast. Place skillet in the oven and cook until cooked through, about 20 minutes or until chicken breasts gets to an internal temperature of 165F.
- Remove from the oven. Using a spoon, pour some of the butter sauce left in the skillet onto the chicken breast. Also, if you prefer, top with fresh herbs before serving. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
