Garlic Baked Chicken Recipe

Garlic Baked Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that pairs beautifully with nearly any side, this garlic-baked chicken recipe is a must-try. With tender chicken infused with garlic, herbs, and a buttery marinade, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delightful meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
2. Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

1. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each chicken breast with the garlic butter marinade. Be sure to pour any remaining marinade over the chicken for maximum flavor.
2. For an extra garlic punch, rub some of the minced garlic directly onto the chicken.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Broil for a Golden Finish

1. For a golden, slightly crispy finish, switch your oven to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
2. Sprinkle the baked chicken with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
3. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, tangy touch.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic-baked chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
• Carbs: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad for a lighter accompaniment.

Tips for Success

1. Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
2. Marinade Time: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
3. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor compared to pre-minced garlic from a jar.
4. Avoid Overbaking: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
5. Double the Sauce: If you enjoy extra sauce for dipping or drizzling, double the marinade recipe. You can also serve the chicken with the juices from the baking dish.

Variations

1. Cheesy Garlic Chicken: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
2. Spicy Garlic Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
3. Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to customize the flavor.
4. Bone-In Chicken: This recipe works well with bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat reaches 165°F.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up any day of the week.
• Versatile: Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions, and pairs well with almost any side dish.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste.

This garlic-baked chicken is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your household. With its tender, juicy texture and bold, savory flavors, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

Garlic Baked Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that pairs beautifully with nearly any side, this garlic-baked chicken recipe is a must-try. With tender chicken infused with garlic, herbs, and a buttery marinade

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 6 garlic cloves minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a slight kick
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
• Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
• Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Marinade
• In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• Step 4: Coat the Chicken
• Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each chicken breast with the garlic butter marinade. Be sure to pour any remaining marinade over the chicken for maximum flavor.
• For an extra garlic punch, rub some of the minced garlic directly onto the chicken.
• Step 5: Bake the Chicken
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Step 6: Broil for a Golden Finish
• For a golden, slightly crispy finish, switch your oven to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
• Step 7: Rest and Garnish
• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
• Sprinkle the baked chicken with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
• Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, tangy touch.

Keyword chicken recipe

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