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Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast: Best 30-Minute Dinner

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This easy garlic butter baked chicken breast is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, featuring juicy chicken coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like comfort food without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 to 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (or 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, smoked paprika recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven in thickness, place between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1-inch thickness.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish (8×8 or 9×9 inch) in a single layer. Brush or spoon about half of the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, coating tops and sides evenly. Reserve the remaining garlic butter.
  6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes. At the 15-minute mark, brush the chicken with the remaining garlic butter.
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  8. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest in the dish for 5 minutes.
  9. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let the chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Do not crowd the pan if doubling the recipe. Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. The pan juices are delicious spooned over the chicken or served with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken dinner, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, garlic chicken

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