Description
A simple, reliable recipe for juicy oven-baked chicken breasts using a garlic herb butter moisture barrier. Perfect for busy weeknights, this method ensures tender, flavorful chicken without the dryness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large or 6 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven, pound thick ends to achieve uniform 3/4-inch thickness.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper into a paste.
- Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub in. Spread the garlic herb butter generously over the top of each breast.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes without opening the oven door for the first 15 minutes. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest, tented loosely with foil, for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Slice against the grain and serve with fresh lemon juice if desired.
Notes
Do not overcook; remove chicken at 160°F as residual heat will bring it to 165°F during resting. Ensure butter is soft, not melted, to stay on the meat. For meal prep, bake extra breasts and store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze raw for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 40
Keywords: chicken breast, oven baked chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, garlic herb butter, juicy chicken, meal prep, gluten-free