Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Description: This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a succulent and flavorful main course. Baking the chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce ensures it stays incredibly tender and juicy, while the herbs and spices add a delightful aroma and taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Elegance: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.
- Unbelievably Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, Italian seasoning, and paprika creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Baking the chicken in butter ensures it stays moist and tender, preventing it from drying out.
- Versatile Main Course: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.
- Easy Clean-Up: Cooking everything in a cast iron skillet minimizes dishes, making cleanup a breeze.
Introduction
Few dishes rival the simplicity and satisfaction of a perfectly cooked chicken breast. However, achieving that ideal balance of tenderness and flavor can sometimes feel like a culinary challenge. Fear no more! This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is your answer to consistently delicious, oven-baked chicken.
The magic lies in the garlic butter sauce, a luscious concoction that infuses the chicken with savory goodness. The searing step is crucial, as it creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in the juices and adds a delightful textural contrast. Baking the chicken in a cast iron skillet is recommended because of its ability to distribute heat evenly and retain warmth, but any oven-safe skillet will work. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to create your unique twist.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver a restaurant-quality meal that your family and friends will rave about. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your perception of baked chicken forever.
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, divided (for seasoning the chicken)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for the butter sauce)
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted (Ghee can be used for a Whole30 option)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps to create a nice sear on the chicken and ensures it cooks through evenly. While the oven is preheating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a critical step, as it helps to remove excess moisture and allows the chicken to brown properly during the searing process.
Generously season each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed on both sides. Salt is essential for drawing out moisture and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken. Pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. Paprika contributes a vibrant color and a hint of sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. The melted butter serves as the base for the sauce, creating a rich and luxurious texture. Paprika adds a touch of smokiness and color. Italian seasoning provides a blend of aromatic herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, that complements the chicken beautifully. Fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness and vibrant green color. Minced garlic infuses the sauce with its pungent and savory aroma.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Set the garlic butter mixture aside. This sauce will be poured over the chicken during the baking process, creating a flavorful crust and keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Place a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers. Using a cast iron skillet is great because it heats evenly and can go from the stove top to oven.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the chicken from searing properly. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
Sear the chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. The searing process is crucial for locking in the juices and creating a flavorful exterior. Avoid moving the chicken around too much during searing, as this can hinder the browning process.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Once the chicken breasts are seared, remove the skillet from the stovetop. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure to coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the sauce, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The baking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts. To ensure that the chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.
Before serving, spoon some of the remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken breasts. This will add an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the dish. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a light and healthy option.
- Use the cooked chicken breast in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Tips:
- For best results, use fresh garlic cloves. Pre-minced garlic often lacks the same potency and flavor.
- Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcook the chicken, as this can cause it to become dry and tough.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor combinations.
- To make the dish healthier, use Ghee instead of butter.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 377 kcal
- Protein: 41g
- Sodium: 375mg
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a winner in every way. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and guarantees perfectly cooked, tender chicken every time. With its versatility and simple ingredients, it’s a must-have in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will undoubtedly impress your family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: While fresh chicken breasts are ideal, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly after thawing to remove excess moisture. This will help them brown better when searing.
Q2: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, and ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q3: Can I use different herbs or spices in the garlic butter sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor combinations. Some great options include thyme, rosemary, oregano, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to cook the chicken fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Q5: What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
A: If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Just be sure to sear the chicken in a separate skillet before transferring it to the baking dish.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika divided (for seasoning the chicken)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika for the butter sauce
- 4 tablespoons 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted (Ghee can be used for a Whole30 option)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps to create a nice sear on the chicken and ensures it cooks through evenly. While the oven is preheating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a critical step, as it helps to remove excess moisture and allows the chicken to brown properly during the searing process.
- Generously season each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed on both sides. Salt is essential for drawing out moisture and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken. Pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. Paprika contributes a vibrant color and a hint of sweetness.
- Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. The melted butter serves as the base for the sauce, creating a rich and luxurious texture. Paprika adds a touch of smokiness and color. Italian seasoning provides a blend of aromatic herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, that complements the chicken beautifully. Fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness and vibrant green color. Minced garlic infuses the sauce with its pungent and savory aroma.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Set the garlic butter mixture aside. This sauce will be poured over the chicken during the baking process, creating a flavorful crust and keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Place a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers. Using a cast iron skillet is great because it heats evenly and can go from the stove top to oven.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the chicken from searing properly. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. The searing process is crucial for locking in the juices and creating a flavorful exterior. Avoid moving the chicken around too much during searing, as this can hinder the browning process.
- Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Once the chicken breasts are seared, remove the skillet from the stovetop. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure to coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the sauce, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The baking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts. To ensure that the chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.
- Before serving, spoon some of the remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken breasts. This will add an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the dish. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.
