This recipe for Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts is a simple and delicious way to elevate plain chicken into a flavorful and comforting meal. The combination of melted butter, garlic, and parsley creates a rich and fragrant coating that infuses the chicken with savory goodness. Baking the chicken in the oven ensures that it stays juicy and tender, while the addition of grated Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy and crispy finish to this mouthwatering dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
The Best Bake Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture over them, making sure they are coated evenly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
- Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving.
- This recipe is easy to customize, so feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the garlic butter mixture. You can also serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts:- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness: This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and helps to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Use fresh herbs and garlic: Fresh ingredients will give the chicken a more vibrant and flavorful taste.
- Don’t overbake the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked, but still juicy.
- Let the chicken rest before serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking helps to seal in the juices and results in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Customize the recipe to your liking: Feel free to add other herbs, spices, or seasonings to the garlic butter mixture to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or toppings.
- Serve with your favorite sides: This chicken recipe goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Storing Tips
To store leftovers of Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate the chicken for up to 3-4 days. When reheating the chicken, you can either microwave it on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of reheated chicken may be slightly different from freshly baked chicken, so it’s best to reheat only what you plan to eat and not to reheat the chicken more than once.Time to Create
The Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts recipe can typically be made in about 35-40 minutes, from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated times for each step:- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C): 5 minutes
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper: 2 minutes
- Mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl: 5 minutes
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture over them: 5 minutes
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes: 20-25 minutes
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts and return to the oven for 5 minutes: 5 minutes
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving: 2-3 minutes
History:
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts is a simple and classic dish that has likely been made in various forms by home cooks for many years.
Garlic and butter have long been popular ingredients in many cuisines around the world, and are often used to add flavor to meats and vegetables. The combination of garlic and butter with chicken is a classic pairing that creates a rich and savory dish.
Today, Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts are a popular and easy-to-make recipe that can be found in various forms online and in cookbooks. The recipe has evolved over time, with some variations adding additional ingredients such as herbs or spices, but the basic combination of garlic, butter, and chicken remains the same.
Pairing Recommendations:
There are many delicious sides that would pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
- Rice pilaf or quinoa.
- A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
- Green beans almondine.
- Creamy polenta or grits.
- Roasted sweet potatoes.
- Grilled or roasted corn on the cob.
You can also add some variety to your meal by incorporating different herbs or spices into the garlic butter mixture, or by using different types of cheese to top the chicken.
Variations:
There are several variations you can make to this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add more herbs: You can use different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil instead of parsley or in addition to it.
- Use different cheeses: Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta.
- Add lemon zest: For a tangy flavor, you can add some lemon zest to the garlic butter mixture.
- Make it spicy: You can add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture to give it a little kick.
- Use different cuts of chicken: You can use bone-in chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken drumsticks instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Make it healthier: You can use olive oil instead of butter and reduce the amount of cheese to make the dish healthier.
- Grill the chicken: Instead of baking the chicken, you can grill it on a barbecue or a grill pan for a smoky flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own unique version of Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts.
Nutritional Benefits:
The Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts recipe provides several nutritional benefits, including:
- High-quality protein: Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and promoting healthy growth and development.
- Healthy fats: The unsalted butter used in this recipe provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Garlic: Garlic is a rich source of antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Parsley: Parsley is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting. It also contains vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. It also provides protein and healthy fats.
Overall, this recipe provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and important vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option. However, it is important to note that the calorie and fat content may be high, depending on the portion size and frequency of consumption.
Nutritional Breakdown:
Based on the ingredients listed, the nutritional breakdown per serving of this recipe (assuming it serves 4 and the size of each chicken breast is 4 ounces) is approximately:
- Calories: 538
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 461mg
It’s important to note that these numbers are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and any modifications made to the recipe. Additionally, this dish is relatively high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Fun Facts:
- Garlic has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years and has been shown to have many health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, and boosting the immune system.
- Butter is a common ingredient in many classic French dishes and is valued for its rich, creamy flavor and ability to enhance the taste of other ingredients.
- Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that originated in Italy and is known for its sharp, salty flavor. It is a great source of protein and calcium.
- Baking chicken is a healthier cooking method than frying, as it requires less oil and can help retain more of the chicken’s natural juices and nutrients.
- This recipe can be easily customized with different herbs, spices, or types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.
“A hen is only an egg’s way of making another egg.”
– Samuel Butler
