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Tender Baked Chicken Breast Recipe with Garlic Butter Baste Easy and Perfect

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A foolproof baked chicken breast recipe basted with garlic butter that keeps the meat tender, juicy, and flavorful. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme or rosemary, and lemon juice if using. Set aside.
  3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each breast lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season generously with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
  4. Place the chicken breasts spaced evenly on a baking sheet or dish.
  5. Using a basting brush or spoon, coat each breast with about half of the garlic butter mixture, covering all surfaces.
  6. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken, baste with the remaining garlic butter, and flip each breast to baste the other side.
  8. Return to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Slice against the grain and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure browning. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest chicken for 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy. Parchment paper on baking sheet helps with cleanup and prevents sticking. Fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor. Can substitute butter with ghee or coconut oil for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, tender chicken, quick dinner, garlic butter baste

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