Garlic Herb Butter Baked Chicken Breast
You know those dinners that feel fancy enough for company, but secretly take almost no effort? This is one of those recipes. Garlic Herb Butter Baked Chicken Breast is the kind of simple, reliable meal that saves busy weeknights — and still makes your kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking all day.
It’s warm, buttery, and full of cozy herb flavor. The garlic hits the hot pan and instantly perfumes the air, and by the time the chicken comes out, you’ve got golden edges, juicy slices, and a little pool of herby butter sauce begging to be spooned over everything. It’s comforting in that “I took care of myself today” kind of way.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven.
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the garlic herb butter.
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. It’ll look (and smell) like something you want to dip bread into immediately. That’s how you know you’re doing it right.
3. Prep the chicken.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the buttery mixture cling better and gives you nicer browning. Place the chicken in the baking dish.
4. Brush it on generously.
Use a spoon or brush to coat the chicken on all sides with the garlic herb butter. Don’t be skimpy — you want every bite seasoned and juicy.
5. Bake until juicy.
Bake for 22–28 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
6. Baste halfway through.
Around the halfway mark, pull the dish out carefully and spoon some of that melted herb butter from the pan over the chicken. This keeps everything moist and gives the top extra flavor.
7. Broil for golden edges (optional but lovely).
If you want that lightly crisp, golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye — broilers don’t play around.
8. Rest, then garnish.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This is the secret to keeping it juicy. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and add a rosemary sprig or two if you’re feeling a little extra.
9. Serve with the pan sauce.
Slice the chicken and spoon that buttery herb sauce over the top right before serving. It’s basically liquid flavor.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
🔥 Approximately 380 kcal per serving
Presentation
For a really inviting plate, slice the chicken on a slight angle and fan it out. Drizzle the herb butter sauce over the top so it glistens a little. A sprinkle of parsley instantly makes it look fresh and vibrant, and a rosemary sprig adds that “restaurant-y” touch with almost no effort.
This chicken looks gorgeous next to roasted vegetables (think carrots, broccoli, or baby potatoes), or over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice that can soak up the sauce. If you’re serving guests, bring the baking dish to the table and spoon sauce over each portion right there — it’s cozy and a little dramatic in the best way.
Conclusion
This Garlic Herb Butter Baked Chicken Breast is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket forever. It’s simple, flavorful, and consistently juicy — with just the right mix of garlic, herbs, and buttery goodness. And it pairs with almost anything, which makes it a true weeknight hero.
If you’ve got chicken breasts and a few pantry herbs, you’re already halfway there. Try it soon — your kitchen is about to smell amazing. 🌿🧈🍗