There are some dinners that feel like comfort in a single bite — juicy chicken, golden edges, and a buttery garlic aroma that fills your kitchen. This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is exactly that. It’s simple, flavorful, and always turns out tender.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with barely any effort. The garlic butter sauce caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving every piece of chicken a rich, savory glaze that’s hard to resist.
The best part? You only need one pan, a handful of ingredients, and less than 40 minutes from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken
This is one of those “how is this so good for being so easy?” recipes. The trick lies in the balance — rich melted butter, fresh garlic, and just the right seasoning. As the chicken bakes, it stays juicy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.
It’s a family favorite in my home. I’ve made it countless times — sometimes as a quick dinner with roasted vegetables, other times sliced over pasta or salad. No matter how it’s served, it’s always a hit.
It’s also a great recipe for anyone nervous about overcooking chicken breasts — the butter mixture keeps them moist and flavorful every time.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For the garlic butter sauce:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges for serving
Prep the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels — this helps the butter stick and allows the edges to brown nicely. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of paprika.
If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to make them even. This ensures they bake evenly and stay tender inside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chopped parsley.
The scent alone will make your kitchen smell incredible. The olive oil prevents the butter from burning, while the lemon juice cuts through the richness perfectly.
This sauce is the heart of the recipe — it infuses the chicken with flavor while keeping it moist as it bakes.
Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the top, using a spoon to coat each piece completely.
Make sure some of the sauce pools around the chicken — that’s what creates those irresistible golden, buttery edges as it bakes.
If you’re a garlic lover (like me), sprinkle a bit of extra minced garlic right on top before baking. It caramelizes beautifully and adds a little crunch.
Bake to Juicy Perfection
Bake uncovered for 22–28 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The goal is tender, juicy meat that’s fully cooked but never dry.
You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Use a meat thermometer for perfect accuracy.
During the last 5 minutes, spoon some of the melted garlic butter from the pan over the top — it gives the chicken that glossy, golden finish and extra flavor.
Rest Before Serving
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so the meat stays tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. That touch of freshness brings the buttery richness into perfect balance.
How to Serve It
This baked chicken is incredibly versatile — here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Dinner: Serve with roasted potatoes or steamed green beans.
- Light Meal: Slice over a garden salad or alongside brown rice.
- Comfort Food: Pair with mashed potatoes and drizzle that garlic butter sauce over everything.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower mash or sautéed spinach.
And if you’re meal-prepping, this chicken tastes just as good the next day — juicy, flavorful, and ready to reheat.
My Best Tips for Success
- Butter quality matters. Use real, unsalted butter — it gives the richest flavor and prevents oversalting.
- Don’t overbake. Chicken breasts are lean, so it’s easy to dry them out. Always check the internal temp for perfect doneness.
- Let it rest. It’s tempting to slice right away, but patience pays off — you’ll keep all those natural juices inside.
- Fresh garlic only. Powder can’t replace the aroma and sweetness that comes from real minced garlic.
- Add cheese if you want richness. A sprinkle of Parmesan in the last few minutes of baking adds a subtle, nutty layer.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Warm gently in a covered pan over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.
- To freeze: Freeze in airtight bags with a bit of the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This chicken reheats beautifully and stays moist thanks to the buttery sauce — perfect for lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Why This Recipe Always Works
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its simplicity. The butter locks in moisture, the garlic adds depth, and the lemon keeps it bright.
The result is chicken that’s perfectly seasoned, tender enough to cut with a fork, and full of rich, garlicky flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels elegant but doesn’t demand much from you in the kitchen.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded that the simplest ingredients — when done right — can create something truly special.
Related Questions
1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re naturally juicier and more forgiving if overbaked. Adjust the baking time to about 25–30 minutes, depending on size.
2. How Can I Tell If My Chicken Is Done Without a Thermometer?
Pierce the thickest part with a knife — the juices should run clear, not pink. The meat should feel firm but still tender to the touch.
A Dinner That Feels Effortless Yet Special
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. With its buttery glaze, tender texture, and rich garlic flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for seconds.
It’s easy enough for weeknights but tastes like something you’d order at a cozy bistro. Pair it with your favorite sides, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style.
Meta Description:
This garlic butter baked chicken breasts recipe is juicy, tender, and full of rich garlic flavor. A simple, one-pan dinner ready in under 40 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
