– **Title**: Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Baste the chicken with the melted garlic butter halfway through baking for extra flavor.
6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish because they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, thighs can be a great alternative. They offer a bit more flavor.
Unsalted Butter: This gives the recipe rich flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil or vegan butter for a healthier or dairy-free option. Just remember that olive oil may lend a different texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but start with less since it’s more concentrated in flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice is okay if you don’t have a lemon handy. Avoid using lemon extract, as that’s too strong!
Dried Oregano: This herb adds a nice, earthy flavor. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning or dried basil can work in a pinch.
Paprika: This adds a hint of smokiness and color. Sweet paprika is perfect, but smoked paprika gives a lovely depth. If you want it spicy, you can use cayenne pepper sparingly.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping the chicken moist is crucial for a delicious result. Here are some tips to avoid dried-out chicken:
- Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer to check for the internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest after baking for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Marinating the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) adds delicious flavor and moisture.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, making the total time around 40 minutes. You’ll have delicious, golden garlic butter baked chicken ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential for ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and properly.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir them well until everything is combined, and the mixture looks smooth and fragrant.
3. Arrange the Chicken:
Take a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet and place the chicken breasts inside. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring they are all nicely coated for that rich flavor.
4. Add Lemon Slices:
For an extra burst of flavor and a lovely presentation, arrange lemon slices on top of the chicken. This not only looks great but also enhances the dish’s citrusy notes.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Let It Rest:
Once baked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the chicken for a touch of color and flavor. Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious garlic butter baked chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer bone-in chicken breasts, just increase the baking time to about 35-40 minutes to ensure they cook through thoroughly. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing them from the oven.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
You can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a different flavor. Use the same amount, 4 tablespoons, and mix it with the garlic and other ingredients as directed. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through to maintain its juicy texture.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers to the baking dish along with the chicken. Just adjust the baking time slightly if you add more substantial vegetables, ensuring everything is cooked through and tender.
