Oven baked chicken breast recipes don’t have to be dry or bland. With just a few pantry staples and a generous amount of garlic butter, this flavorful chicken dish turns into a juicy, golden, weeknight favorite. It’s cooked quickly, seasoned perfectly, and requires no complicated prep. What you get is a meal that checks all the boxes: easy cleanup, crowd-pleasing taste, and restaurant-style comfort made right at home.

This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want dinner on the table without fuss. Plus, the aroma of garlic and butter baking together is enough to make the whole house feel warm and inviting. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry family, this oven baked chicken dinner is one of those go-to meals that delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken

Quick and simple: From start to finish, it takes just under 30 minutes.
Juicy and tender: Baked at the perfect temperature to lock in moisture.
Flavor-packed: Garlic butter infuses each bite with rich, savory taste.
Minimal cleanup: One pan, one mixing bowl, and done.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters love it, making it a go-to meal for all ages.

Garlic Butter Chicken Ingredients

Everything you need for this garlic butter oven baked chicken breast recipe is simple, fresh, and easy to find. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 8 oz each, trimmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted, for a rich garlic base
4 cloves garlic – finely minced, the flavor star of the recipe
1 tablespoon olive oil – helps brown and protect moisture
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – adds balanced herb flavor
½ teaspoon paprika – for warm color and subtle smokiness
½ teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – just enough to balance the butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish and a pop of color
1 teaspoon lemon juice – optional, brightens up the butteriness

You can pair this simple oven recipe with rice, veggies, or crusty bread to make it a complete meal. It’s also great with garlic parmesan rice, like in this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe.

How to Make Garlic Butter Oven Baked Chicken Breast

This juicy chicken breast recipe is all about timing and seasoning. Here’s how to do it right every time:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Prepare the garlic butter by mixing melted butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly.
Place the chicken in the baking dish and spoon the garlic butter mixture generously over each breast, coating both sides.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste once halfway through with juices from the pan. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

The buttery sauce that gathers at the bottom of the pan is perfect for drizzling over your sides or dipping bread. It pairs nicely with comfort meals like this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish shines on its own but becomes a full comfort food dinner when paired with simple, satisfying sides. Here are some great serving ideas:

Garlic mashed potatoes – soak up the butter and juices perfectly
Steamed green beans or broccoli – keep it colorful and fresh
Lemon herb rice – for an easy balance of brightness and richness
Fresh side salad – with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette
Toasted baguette slices – perfect for sopping up the garlic butter

This flavorful chicken dish also makes a beautiful meal prep option. Slice it over salads, sandwiches, or wrap it in a tortilla with some fresh veggies. For another cozy and classic serving idea, pair it with Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust to double up on the comfort.

Easy Ways to Customize Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few tasty ways to mix things up:

Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer darker meat.
Add shredded parmesan to the butter mix for a cheesy finish.
Include red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Use rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Make it low-carb by pairing with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

This easy chicken recipe is incredibly adaptable, and switching things up keeps it exciting even after multiple repeats. Need another idea for tender, flavorful meat? Try the Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs recipe for a similar oven-baked winner.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken

Once cooled, store leftover garlic butter chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for about 10–12 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals. This keeps the chicken moist and brings the buttery flavor back to life.

Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the texture juicy and tender. You can also dice leftovers for salads or grain bowls.

Pro Tips for the Juiciest Baked Chicken

Getting perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken comes down to just a few helpful techniques. Here are the most effective tips:

Bring chicken to room temperature before baking to prevent tough edges.
Pound chicken evenly to help it cook through without drying out.
Use a thermometer to avoid guessing, 165°F internal temperature is the sweet spot.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting it sit for 5 minutes helps redistribute the juices.
Baste during baking to build more garlic butter flavor on the surface.

With these small but powerful tricks, your garlic butter oven baked chicken will come out perfectly every time. Keep them in mind for any future simple oven recipe you make.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Chicken Breast

Even with an easy chicken recipe, some small missteps can lead to dry or unevenly cooked meat. Here are the most common ones to watch for:

Skipping the pound step causes uneven cooking and dry edges.
Baking too long dries out the center and makes the outside rubbery.
Using too little seasoning can result in bland chicken, don’t hold back on garlic and salt.
Pouring butter on cold meat can cause it to solidify instead of coating evenly.
Not letting it rest cuts into the juiciness before it has a chance to settle.

Avoiding these mistakes takes this meal from average to exceptional. Keep these in mind next time you try other chicken-based meals as well.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Chicken Breast – Conclusion

This garlic butter oven baked chicken breast recipe delivers reliable, juicy, and flavorful results every single time. It’s an easy chicken recipe built for weeknights but tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. With tender texture, buttery richness, and bold garlic flavor, this dish is a comfort food classic that fits any season and any table.

Make it once and it’ll quickly become part of your dinner rotation.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Oven Baked Chicken Breast

What’s the best way to keep garlic butter oven baked chicken breast juicy?

Bake at a high temperature, cover with garlic butter, and let the chicken rest before slicing. Using a meat thermometer ensures you don’t overcook it.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this garlic butter chicken?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They are slightly more forgiving and cook in about the same time.

What side dishes go well with garlic butter chicken?

This oven baked chicken dinner pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, lemon rice, or even a crisp side salad.

How long can I store leftover garlic butter oven baked chicken breast?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.