Baked Chicken Breast in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Our family dinners are often a bustling affair, a symphony of clanging forks and lively chatter. Amidst the usual pasta dishes and roasted vegetables, I recently introduced a new star to our table: Baked Chicken Breast in Garlic Butter Sauce. Let me tell you, it was an instant hit. From my youngest, who is notoriously picky, to my husband, who appreciates a good, flavorful meal after a long day, everyone devoured it. The chicken was incredibly juicy and tender, infused with the rich, savory garlic butter sauce that was simply irresistible. The aroma that filled the kitchen while it baked was intoxicating, promising a comforting and delicious meal. This recipe has quickly become a weeknight staple in our home, proving that simple ingredients and minimal effort can result in a dish that feels truly special. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further. This Baked Chicken Breast in Garlic Butter Sauce is the answer.

Ingredients

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. You won’t need a pantry full of obscure items; just a handful of fresh, flavorful components that, when combined, create a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delectable baked chicken breast to life:

• Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Opt for breasts that are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This will help them cook more quickly and prevent the outside from drying out before the inside is cooked through. Fresh chicken breasts are always preferred for the best flavor and texture, but you can use thawed frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. Just make sure they are fully thawed before you begin cooking.
• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), unsalted. Butter is the heart of this luscious sauce, lending richness and flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty dish. For an even richer flavor, consider using European-style butter, which has a higher butterfat content.
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for this recipe. The pungent, aromatic flavor of fresh garlic is what truly makes the garlic butter sauce sing. Pre-minced garlic from a jar can be used in a pinch, but the flavor will be noticeably less vibrant. For a milder garlic flavor, you can use fewer cloves. For a more intense garlic punch, feel free to add even more. Mincing the garlic finely ensures that its flavor infuses evenly throughout the butter sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter and garlic. Italian flat-leaf parsley is preferred for its robust flavor, but curly parsley can also be used. Make sure to chop the parsley finely so it disperses evenly and doesn’t become stringy in the sauce.
• Fresh Thyme: 1 tablespoon, leaves only. Thyme lends a subtle earthy, slightly lemony flavor that complements the garlic and butter beautifully. Fresh thyme is ideal, but in a pinch, you can substitute with dried thyme. If using dried thyme, use about 1 teaspoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh. Make sure to strip the leaves from the thyme sprigs and discard the woody stems.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. A touch of lemon juice brightens the sauce and adds a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter and enhances the other flavors. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for its vibrant, zesty flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used, but it may lack the same freshness.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your preference. Kosher salt or sea salt are preferred for their cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent, aromatic spice that complements the other flavors and adds a layer of complexity. Adjust the amount to your preference. Pre-ground black pepper can be used, but freshly ground pepper has a much more vibrant flavor.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste), for a touch of heat. If you enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth to the sauce. Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste. Omit if you prefer a completely mild flavor.

Instructions

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Follow these detailed instructions for perfectly baked, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce every time:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking chicken breasts, ensuring they cook through evenly without drying out too much. While the oven is preheating, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can lightly grease the dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent the chicken from sticking, although with the butter sauce, sticking shouldn’t be a major issue. Using a 9×13 inch dish provides ample space for the chicken breasts to bake in a single layer, which is crucial for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of baking it properly.
2. Prepare Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is important because removing excess moisture from the surface of the chicken will help it brown better in the oven and prevent it from steaming. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – this is your opportunity to build flavor into the chicken itself before it even goes into the oven. If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, now is the time to pound them to a more uniform thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper before pounding to protect them and prevent splattering. Aim for a thickness of about ¾ inch. This will ensure they cook evenly and prevent the thinner parts from drying out before the thicker parts are cooked through.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter over low heat or in the microwave. If melting in the microwave, do so in short intervals (about 30 seconds at a time) to prevent splattering and overheating. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the melted butter. If using red pepper flakes, add them now as well. Sauté the garlic over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and softened but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will taste bitter. Sautéing the garlic in the butter releases its aromatic oils and infuses the butter with its flavor. Remove the saucepan from the heat (or microwave). Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, fresh thyme leaves, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and ensure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The lemon juice will brighten the sauce and create a lovely aroma.
4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring that each breast is generously coated with the sauce. You can use a spoon to distribute the sauce and make sure it seeps under the chicken as well. The garlic butter sauce will not only flavor the chicken but also help keep it moist and juicy during baking.
5. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the accuracy of your oven temperature. A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast, avoiding the bone if there is one. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of a breast. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque white throughout, with no pink remaining. Avoid overbaking the chicken, as this will make it dry and tough.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Do not skip this step. While the chicken rests, the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly (carryover cooking). Garnish the chicken with extra fresh parsley, if desired, before serving. Spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce from the baking dish over the chicken before serving to ensure it’s extra flavorful and moist. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate values per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 baked chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. The calorie range accounts for variations in chicken breast size and the amount of sauce consumed. For more precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This recipe is relatively high in protein and moderate in fat due to the butter. It is also low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets. The fresh herbs contribute vitamins and antioxidants.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes chopping vegetables, preparing sauce, and seasoning chicken)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it requires minimal hands-on time and cooks relatively quickly in the oven. Most of the time is spent baking, allowing you to prepare side dishes or relax while dinner cooks.

How to Serve

Baked Chicken Breast in Garlic Butter Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Classic Sides:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment that perfectly soaks up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans provide a healthy and colorful side dish. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and complements the savory chicken.
  • Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa are excellent choices for soaking up the delicious sauce. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice and some chopped parsley to the rice for extra flavor.
  • Pasta: Buttered noodles, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta tossed with a little of the garlic butter sauce from the chicken is a comforting and satisfying option.
• Fresh and Light Sides:
  • Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken and sauce.
  • Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a vibrant and flavorful side.
  • Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A light and refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon-herb dressing.
• Bread for Sopping Up Sauce:
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty baguette, sourdough, or Italian bread to sop up every last bit of the delicious garlic butter sauce.
  • Garlic Bread: For an extra garlicky experience, serve with homemade or store-bought garlic bread.
• Complete Meal Ideas:
  • Chicken and Rice Bowls: Serve the baked chicken breast sliced over rice with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce for a satisfying and balanced bowl meal.
  • Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Shred leftover baked chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and a touch of the garlic butter sauce for incredibly flavorful chicken salad sandwiches.
  • Chicken Caesar Salad: Slice the baked chicken breast and serve it over a classic Caesar salad for a protein-packed and delicious meal.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Breast

To ensure your Baked Chicken Breast in Garlic Butter Sauce is consistently delicious and perfectly cooked, consider these helpful tips:

1. Pound Chicken for Even Cooking: As mentioned earlier, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. Unevenly thick chicken breasts will cook at different rates, leading to dry edges and undercooked centers. Pounding ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly, resulting in juicy and tender meat throughout. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin and pound to about ¾ inch thickness for best results.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken breasts space in the baking dish. Overcrowding the pan will cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, preventing it from browning properly and potentially leading to uneven cooking. Ensure the chicken breasts are arranged in a single layer with a little space between them for optimal air circulation and even baking. If you are cooking a larger batch, use two baking dishes or bake in batches.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: The most accurate way to determine if chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast, avoiding the bone, and ensure it registers 165°F (74°C). This eliminates guesswork and guarantees that your chicken is cooked safely and perfectly every time. Investing in a good quality meat thermometer is a worthwhile investment for any home cook.
4. Let the Chicken Rest: Resting the chicken after baking is essential for juicy and tender results. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. During this time, the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist chicken breast. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil while the chicken rests to keep it warm.
5. Customize the Sauce: While the garlic butter sauce is delicious as is, feel free to customize it to your liking. Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. For a creamy sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or cream cheese after baking. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a cheesy garlic butter flavor. Get creative and make the sauce your own!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it is crucial to thaw them completely before cooking. Thawing ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and prevents the outside from cooking too quickly while the inside remains frozen. The best way to thaw chicken breasts is in the refrigerator overnight. If you are short on time, you can thaw them in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Never thaw chicken at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth. Once thawed, pat them dry and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While freshly baked chicken is always best, you can prepare parts of this recipe in advance. You can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also season the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, simply assemble the dish and bake as directed. Baked chicken breast is best served immediately for optimal juiciness. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated, but it may not be as juicy as freshly baked chicken.

Q3: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

A: Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs if needed, but fresh herbs will provide a brighter and more vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh herbs. Add the dried herbs to the butter sauce while sautéing the garlic to allow them to bloom and release their flavor. Fresh herbs are always recommended for the best flavor, but dried herbs are a convenient pantry staple when fresh herbs are not available.

Q4: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

A: Several factors contribute to preventing dry chicken. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures even cooking. Baking at the correct temperature (400°F/200°C) helps to cook the chicken through without drying it out too quickly. The garlic butter sauce helps to keep the chicken moist during baking. Most importantly, avoid overbaking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches this temperature. Resting the chicken after baking also helps to retain moisture.

Q5: Can I bake the chicken at a different temperature?

A: While 400°F (200°C) is the recommended temperature for this recipe, you can bake chicken at slightly different temperatures. Baking at a lower temperature, such as 375°F (190°C), will take longer but can result in even more tender chicken. If baking at a lower temperature, increase the baking time accordingly and always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Conversely, baking at a higher temperature, such as 425°F (220°C), will cook the chicken faster but may increase the risk of drying it out. For best results, stick to the recommended temperature of 400°F (200°C) and monitor the chicken closely to prevent overbaking.

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