Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast is one of those recipes I return to again and again because it delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. I learned early on that chicken breast doesn’t need complicated steps to taste amazing. Instead, a hot oven, a quick sear, and a rich garlic butter sauce do all the work. Because the prep stays simple, this dish comes together fast, even on the busiest nights. Plus, the bold garlic butter flavor keeps the chicken tender and moist without any marinade. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or reliable meal prep for the week ahead, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast fits perfectly into real life.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Works
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast works so well because every step focuses on moisture, flavor, and simplicity. Nothing feels extra, yet the results stay consistent every time.
1. A quick sear builds flavor fast
Searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet creates a golden surface that traps juices inside. This step adds depth right away and prevents dryness later. I use the same technique in my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta because it always delivers tender chicken.
2. Garlic butter replaces marinades
Instead of waiting hours for a marinade, melted garlic butter coats the chicken as it bakes. The butter slowly melts into the meat, keeping it juicy while adding rich flavor. This simple approach also works beautifully in my High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken, especially for busy nights.
3. Oven baking cooks the chicken evenly
Finishing the chicken in the oven at a steady temperature helps it cook through without drying out. You don’t need to flip or fuss with it. According to the USDA safe cooking temperature guide, chicken should reach 165°F, and this method makes that easy to hit.
4. Simple seasoning keeps the flavor balanced
Paprika, garlic, and Italian seasoning add just enough depth without overpowering the chicken. This balance lets the garlic butter shine. If you enjoy bold but simple flavors, you’ll also like my Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles.
5. One-pan cooking saves time and cleanup
Everything cooks in a single skillet, which keeps the sauce hot and ready for spooning over the chicken before serving. It’s the same low-mess approach I use in my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, perfect for quick dinners.
For readers curious about why garlic adds so much depth to cooked dishes, this science-based explanation from Serious Eats breaks it down clearly.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast uses simple ingredients, but each one plays an important role in keeping the chicken juicy, flavorful, and easy to cook.
1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chicken breast cooks quickly and stays lean, which makes it ideal for weeknight meals and meal prep. When baked with garlic butter, it turns tender and juicy instead of dry. I’ve tested this recipe many times, and this cut gives the most reliable results. If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs also work well, just like in my Peruvian Chicken Recipe.
2. Unsalted butter
Unsalted butter gives you control over seasoning while creating a rich sauce that keeps the chicken moist as it bakes. As the butter melts, it mixes with garlic and herbs, coating the chicken evenly. This same butter-based method works beautifully in my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
3. Fresh garlic
Freshly minced garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor that jarred garlic can’t match. When garlic cooks gently in butter, it becomes fragrant rather than sharp. If you enjoy garlic-forward dishes, you’ll also love my Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles.
4. Olive oil
A small amount of olive oil helps sear the chicken evenly and prevents sticking. It also balances the butter so the sauce tastes rich but not heavy. For more insight into why olive oil works well for sautéing, this guide from Harvard Health explains how different fats behave when heated.
5. Simple seasonings
Salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley bring everything together without overpowering the chicken. This seasoning mix keeps the recipe flexible and family-friendly. If you like easy seasoning blends, try a similar approach in my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require complicated techniques. Each step builds flavor while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
1. Season the chicken properly
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season all sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Drying the chicken first helps it sear better and prevents steaming. This same prep step works well in my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, where texture matters just as much.
2. Sear for color and flavor
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until lightly golden. This step adds depth and helps lock in juices, similar to the technique used in my Creamy Ranch Chicken.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture evenly over the seared chicken. As it bakes, the butter melts into the meat, creating a rich sauce that keeps the chicken moist.
4. Bake until perfectly cooked
Transfer the skillet directly to the oven. Bake without flipping until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which usually takes 20 to 25 minutes depending on size. Using a thermometer helps avoid overcooking. The USDA safe cooking guidelines explain why temperature matters more than time.
5. Rest and finish with sauce
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Before serving, spoon some of the garlic butter sauce from the pan over the chicken. This final step adds flavor and keeps every bite juicy, just like I do with my High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup when finishing the broth.
Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken Breast
These simple tips make a noticeable difference and help this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast turn out tender and juicy every time.
1. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning
Removing surface moisture helps the chicken sear properly instead of steaming. A better sear means more flavor and less moisture loss during baking. I follow this same step in my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for consistent texture.
2. Let the chicken rest before serving
After baking, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat instead of spilling out when sliced. Resting is a key step in many chicken recipes, including my Creamy Ranch Chicken.
3. Use a thermometer, not guesswork
Chicken breast cooks quickly, so even a few extra minutes can dry it out. An instant-read thermometer ensures accuracy. The chicken is ready once it reaches 165°F in the thickest part. The USDA food safety temperature chart explains why this temperature matters for both safety and texture.
4. Choose the right pan
A cast iron skillet holds heat well and moves easily from stovetop to oven. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe skillet works, or you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing. This flexible setup also works well in my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
5. Adjust the butter to your taste
If you love extra sauce, add one or two more tablespoons of butter before baking. The additional sauce works well for spooning over rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables, just like I do with my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breast
Baking time depends mainly on the size of the chicken breasts and the oven temperature you use. Understanding these factors helps you avoid dry or undercooked chicken.
1. Chicken breast size affects cooking time
Smaller chicken breasts cook faster, while thicker pieces need a few extra minutes. A 5 to 6 ounce chicken breast usually bakes evenly and stays juicy when cooked properly, especially when covered in garlic butter.
2. Baking at 400°F for juicy results
When baking chicken breast at 400°F, the cooking time is usually about 20 to 25 minutes. This temperature allows the chicken to cook through while keeping the outside lightly golden and the inside tender.
3. Baking at lower temperatures takes longer
If you choose to bake chicken breast at 350°F, expect it to take closer to 25 to 30 minutes. This method works well, but it’s important to monitor the chicken closely to prevent overcooking.
4. Internal temperature matters more than time
Cooking times are helpful, but the most accurate way to check doneness is by measuring the internal temperature. Chicken breast is fully cooked once it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
5. Resting finishes the process
After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful when sliced.
How to Keep Chicken Breast from Drying Out in the Oven
Chicken breast can dry out easily if it’s overcooked or not protected during baking. These simple steps help keep it tender, moist, and juicy every time.
1. Avoid overbaking
The most common reason chicken breast dries out is baking it too long. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s fully cooked and should come out of the oven right away.
2. Use fat to protect the meat
Coating the chicken with garlic butter adds moisture and creates a protective layer as it bakes. The butter melts into the chicken, helping it stay juicy instead of drying out under oven heat.
3. Start with evenly sized chicken breasts
Chicken breasts that are similar in size cook more evenly. If one piece is much thicker than the others, it may need extra time, which can dry out the smaller pieces.
4. Bake uncovered but with sauce
Baking uncovered allows the chicken to cook evenly without steaming. At the same time, the garlic butter sauce keeps the surface moist, which prevents the chicken from becoming tough.
5. Let the chicken rest before slicing
Resting the chicken for about 5 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Cutting too soon causes the juices to escape, leaving the chicken dry.
Serving Ideas and Meal Pairings
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast works beautifully as a main dish and pairs well with many simple sides, making it easy to build a complete meal.
1. Serve with vegetables
Fresh or roasted vegetables balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots all work well and keep the meal light and satisfying.
2. Pair with classic starches
Mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa soak up the garlic butter sauce and make the dish more filling. These sides turn the chicken into a comforting, well-rounded dinner.
3. Add a fresh salad
A crisp green salad or simple tomato salad adds freshness and contrast. Lighter sides help balance the buttery flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
4. Use leftovers creatively
Leftover chicken can be sliced, shredded, or diced for other meals. It works well in salads, wraps, grain bowls, soups, or pasta dishes, which makes it perfect for meal prep.
5. Keep it simple for busy nights
Even served on its own, this chicken breast delivers enough flavor to stand out. A quick vegetable or simple side is all you need for an easy weeknight meal.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
This Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast stores well, which makes it a great option for leftovers and meal prep.
1. How to store leftovers
Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent moisture loss. Stored properly, the chicken will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. Best way to freeze cooked chicken breast
For longer storage, freeze the chicken once it has fully cooled. You can freeze it whole, sliced, diced, or shredded depending on how you plan to use it later. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.
3. Thawing frozen chicken safely
When ready to use, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Slow thawing helps maintain texture and prevents the chicken from drying out during reheating.
4. Reheating without drying out
To reheat, place the chicken in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the container. This adds moisture and helps keep the chicken tender. You can also reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat with a small spoonful of leftover sauce or butter.
5. Use leftovers in new meals
Reheated chicken works well in salads, wraps, soups, grain bowls, and pasta dishes. Keeping portions ready makes weekday meals faster and easier.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast proves that you don’t need complicated steps to make juicy, flavorful chicken at home. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a reliable cooking method, this recipe delivers tender chicken every time. The garlic butter sauce adds rich flavor while keeping the meat moist, making it perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and meal prep. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or use the leftovers throughout the week, this dish fits easily into everyday cooking. Once you try it, this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast will quickly become a recipe you come back to again and again.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
- In a small bowl, mix remaining paprika, melted butter, Italian seasoning, parsley, and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
- Pour garlic butter mixture over the chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the oven and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken before serving.