Garlic Butter Baked Chicken is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. Tender chicken thighs, drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce, roasted to perfection—this dish hits all the right notes. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity; with just a handful of ingredients, it transforms a basic chicken dinner into something mouthwatering.
I first made this dish during a busy week when I needed something quick, flavorful, and comforting. After one bite, I knew it was going to be a regular on our dinner rotation. The garlic butter seeps into the meat, making each bite incredibly juicy, while the crispy skin adds just the right amount of texture. It’s not only easy to make, but it also leaves your kitchen smelling absolutely divine.
If you’re looking for the perfect side to go with this, try pairing it with some Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. And don’t forget about the Crispy Roasted Breakfast Potatoes for that extra crunch. Together, they make a meal that feels indulgent, without being too complicated.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- It’s a one-pan meal: This baked chicken is an absolute breeze to clean up after. No need for a million pots and pans.
- Rich flavor in every bite: The garlic butter makes the chicken super juicy and full of flavor. You’ll be coming back for more!
- Perfect for busy nights: On those days when you don’t have time to cook something elaborate, this chicken is a real lifesaver.
- Kid-friendly: Even my pickiest eater loves this dish. It’s the perfect dinner for the whole family to enjoy.
- Flexible: You can add herbs or spices to suit your tastes. It’s super easy to customize.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup 1 stick Unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well coated.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Add your favorite vegetables to the baking dish, such as asparagus or broccoli, to cook alongside the chicken. They’ll absorb the delicious garlic butter flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 355 kcal |
| Fat | 25g |
| Cholesterol | 127mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 29g |