Introduction
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken is a flavorful, juicy, and tender chicken dish that’s easy to prepare yet delivers a rich, savory taste. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs infuses the chicken with an irresistible aroma while keeping it moist as it bakes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a baking dish.
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are evenly coated.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes (depending on the thickness of the chicken), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
Optional: For a golden brown top, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Description
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that takes advantage of the aromatic power of garlic and herbs. The chicken is tender and juicy, thanks to the butter that helps it stay moist throughout the cooking process. The flavors of garlic and herbs infuse the chicken as it bakes, creating a savory and comforting meal that will leave you wanting more.
Tips
For extra crispy chicken, try searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side before baking them in the oven.
If you’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken, the cooking time may be slightly longer, so make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
You can also marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking for even more flavor.
Make sure the garlic does not burn in the butter to avoid a bitter taste. You can sauté it in the butter for a minute or two on low heat if you’re concerned about burning it.
Variations
Lemon Garlic Butter: Add extra zest with lemon juice and lemon zest in the garlic butter mixture.
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken: Top the chicken with a generous layer of shredded cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend) in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Spicy Garlic Butter: Add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb variations: Experiment with other herbs such as oregano, basil, or parsley to adjust the flavor profile.
Corrections
If the butter mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a small amount of chicken broth or more olive oil to make it easier to coat the chicken.
Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the baking dish to allow even cooking and better flavor absorption from the garlic butter mixture.
Enjoy!
Now that your Garlic Butter Baked Chicken is ready, serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.