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Tender Baked Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Lemon Garlic Herb Butter

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A quick and easy baked chicken breast recipe featuring a flavorful lemon garlic herb butter that keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly blended.
  3. Trim the chicken breasts by removing any excess fat or tendons. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  4. Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Spread half of the lemon garlic herb butter evenly over each breast using a spoon or brush. Save the rest for serving.
  5. Bake the chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Dollop the reserved herb butter on top of the chicken while warm before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before baking to ensure proper browning and butter adhesion. Use room temperature butter for even mixing. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a crispier top if desired. Fresh herbs and lemon juice provide the best flavor, but dried herbs and bottled lemon juice can be substituted with adjusted quantities.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, lemon garlic herb butter, easy chicken recipe, tender chicken, weeknight dinner, quick chicken, healthy chicken

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