If you are looking for a delicious, fuss-free way to enjoy tender and flavorful chicken, this Baked Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Paprika, and Butter Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The combination of smoky paprika, savory garlic, and luscious butter transforms simple chicken breasts into a juicy, aromatic dish that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers perfectly baked chicken breasts every time, with a crispy, golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth interior that will keep everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity and quality—only a handful of essential ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each one plays a key role, from adding moisture and richness to bringing out vibrant color and aromatic depth.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices brown beautifully in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and helps season it perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: Offers a mild kick and a subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory, aromatic garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky, deep red hue and a hint of sweetness that rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Paprika, and Butter Recipe
Step 1: Brine the Chicken
This step is a game changer. If your chicken isn’t pre-brined, soaking the breasts in a simple kosher salt brine for 15 minutes (or up to 6 hours refrigerated) plumps them up and locks in moisture. Rinse and pat dry after brining for the best texture and flavor.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to a high heat of 450°F. This temperature allows the chicken to cook quickly, forming a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish in a single layer for even cooking. Brush both sides thoroughly with melted butter or olive oil then sprinkle with the carefully mixed salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning blend is what makes the Baked Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Paprika, and Butter Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the chicken for 15 to 18 minutes, adjusting based on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part hits 165°F for safety and juiciness. Optional: for a crispy, golden finish, broil for the last few minutes—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Rest the Chicken
Once baked through, let the chicken rest loosely covered with foil for 5 to 10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is perfectly moist.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice, plate, and enjoy your homemade masterpiece of tender chicken breasts bursting with garlicky, smoky goodness.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Paprika, and Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness that complements the butter and paprika beautifully. A wedge of lemon on the side also gives a lively citrus kick your taste buds will celebrate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant green salad. You can also serve it alongside warm couscous or rice to soak up all the buttery juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and fanning the pieces over a bed of garlic-infused quinoa or roasted sweet potatoes for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Alternatively, stack the breasts over creamy polenta with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a cozy feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, transfer any leftover chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save your chicken for later, wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well frozen for up to 3 months, so you always have a quick, flavorful meal ready to go.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in a covered skillet on low heat to keep the chicken moist and avoid drying it out. You can also microwave in short bursts with a cover to trap steam, but watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use skin-on chicken breasts instead of skinless?
Yes, but keep in mind that skin-on breasts may take a bit longer to cook. You can also crisp the skin under the broiler at the end for extra texture.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika or a mild chili powder can work as substitutes, but you will lose a bit of the smoky flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Is it necessary to brine the chicken?
Brining is recommended for juiciness and tenderness, especially if your chicken isn’t pre-brined, but you can skip it if short on time and still expect delicious results thanks to the butter and seasoning.
Can I prepare this recipe without butter?
Absolutely! Olive oil is a perfect alternative that keeps the chicken moist and adds a lovely flavor, especially if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part to ensure safety and juiciness.
Final Thoughts
The Baked Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Paprika, and Butter Recipe is one of those dishes that feels effortless but tastes like you put in hours of love and care. It delivers consistently juicy, flavorful chicken that quickly becomes a household staple. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this easy, tasty go-to chicken recipe!
Print
Baked Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Paprika, and Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy and flavorful baked chicken breasts recipe yields juicy, tender chicken with a smoky paprika and garlic seasoning. The chicken is optionally brined for enhanced moisture and baked perfectly in the oven, making it a quick and healthy dinner option suitable for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
Brine (optional)
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 cups cold water or a few ice cubes
Seasoning & Coating
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Brine the Chicken (Optional): Fill a large mixing bowl with 2 cups lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until most salt dissolves. Add 2 cups cold water or ice cubes to cool the solution to a safe temperature. Submerge chicken breasts and let them brine for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 6 hours refrigerated. Remove, rinse with cold water, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure an even and hot cooking environment for the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Brush both sides evenly with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, whisk together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on thickness, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C). For a crispier, golden top, broil on high for an additional 3-5 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from oven and transfer chicken breasts to a clean plate. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for tender results.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked chicken breasts warm paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are pre-brined or pre-seasoned, skip the brining step.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry thoroughly after brining to help the seasonings stick better.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken and avoid dryness.
- To vary the flavor, try different herbs or spices like thyme, oregano, or cumin.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps retain moisture and improves tenderness.
