Name: Garlic Butter Baked Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup 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)

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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken is a classic comfort dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or preparing a wholesome family meal, this recipe checks every box. Juicy chicken breasts are baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika for a golden, aromatic finish.

This recipe is ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, offering simple steps, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a delicious result every time. Below, you’ll find everything you need, including ingredient insights, tips, variations, pairing ideas, and detailed step-by-step instructions.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time.
Restaurant-quality flavor: The garlic butter creates a rich, savory sauce that keeps the chicken moist.
Family-friendly: Mild, comforting flavors make this dish a hit with both kids and adults.
Quick to prepare: Just mix, pour, and bake—perfect for hectic evenings.
Customizable: Easily adapt the herbs and seasonings to fit your taste preferences.

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Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless breasts absorb the garlic-butter sauce well. Pound them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Unsalted Butter – The rich, melted base of the sauce that keeps the chicken tender. Using unsalted helps you control the seasoning.
• Fresh Garlic – Gives strong, savory aroma and flavor that spreads through the whole dish.
• Italian Seasoning – A herb blend (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme) that adds depth and classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Paprika – Adds warm color and a mild smoky note that balances the buttery sauce.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley – Sprinkled on top for a bright, fresh finish.

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Tips and Tricks

Pound the chicken evenly: This ensures all breasts cook at the same rate and prevents dryness.
Use high-quality butter: Better butter equals better flavor in a recipe like this.
Let the chicken rest: Resting for a few minutes helps retain moisture.
Do not skip seasoning: Seasoning the sauce and the chicken ensures full flavor with every bite.
Bake uncovered: This allows the chicken to brown slightly and the sauce to reduce.

Variations and Customizations

Add parmesan: Mix a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan into the butter mixture for a cheesy twist.
Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Use chicken thighs: Boneless thighs work wonderfully and remain extra juicy.
Add lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the garlic.
Fresh herbs: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary or thyme for an herbal upgrade.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a range of sides:

Garlic mashed potatoes
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Roasted asparagus
Rice pilaf or buttered noodles
Fresh garden salad

For a complete meal, serve with warm dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave in short intervals.
Prevent drying: Add a spoonful of extra butter or chicken broth before reheating.