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Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast: The Best Tender Oven Recipe

Close-up of a perfectly seasoned and juicy baked chicken breast resting on a white plate.
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Learn how to bake chicken breast that stays perfectly juicy and tender every time. This simple garlic butter recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners and guarantees flavorful results with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the thicker end of the chicken breasts until they are an even thickness (about 3/4 inch). This step helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
  4. Place the pounded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
  5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part. Baking time varies based on thickness.
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven. Let the chicken rest in the dish for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth chicken.
  7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • To ensure you get tender baked chicken, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer; 165°F is the target.
  • For extra flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep chicken breast; store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/juicy-baked-chicken-breast-garlic-butter/