Description
Juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts basted with a garlic herb butter mixture. The key to this recipe is the ‘resting trick’ and precise temperature control to ensure tender, flavorful meat every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Zest of 1 medium lemon
- Juice of 1 medium lemon
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 2 tablespoons white wine for pan sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven, pound thicker ends to achieve uniform ½-inch thickness. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in minced garlic, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the garlic herb butter over the chicken.
- Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon the remaining butter over the chicken.
- Return to oven and bake for another 6-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
- Remove chicken from oven and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Pour pan juices over the chicken during resting.
- Slice chicken against the grain and serve immediately, drizzled with pan juices and fresh lemon juice.
Notes
The key to juicy chicken is resting. Pull the chicken at 155°F; residual heat will bring it to 165°F while resting. Do not skip the 5-10 minute rest period. Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. Use fresh garlic and herbs for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken breast, oven baked chicken, garlic herb butter, juicy chicken, weeknight dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, high protein