Description
This recipe guarantees juicy, tender chicken breasts using a simple garlic herb butter baste and precise temperature control. It is a reliable, flavorful method perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Place chicken in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper, rubbing it in.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until a smooth paste forms.
- Spread the butter mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, getting under the edges. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door frequently.
- Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice against the grain, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Ensure chicken breasts are uniform in size for even cooking. Do not cook frozen chicken; thaw completely in the fridge. Use real butter, not margarine. Resting the chicken is crucial for moisture. If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken breast, oven baked chicken, garlic herb butter, juicy chicken, meal prep, easy dinner, healthy dinner, gluten-free