Description
A budget-friendly, single-serve baked chicken breast recipe that uses garlic herb butter under and over the skin to ensure juicy, flavorful results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large chicken breast (approx. 6–8 oz / 170-225g), boneless, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tsp)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 wedge lemon (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit in the thickest part of the chicken breast to create a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Push half of the garlic herb butter into the pocket created in the chicken. Spread the remaining butter over the top and sides of the chicken breast.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
Patting the skin dry is crucial for crispiness. Do not open the oven door frequently during baking. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes is non-negotiable to retain juices. If using boneless, skinless chicken, place butter on top and baste halfway through. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken breast, baked chicken, garlic herb butter, single serve meal, budget friendly dinner, juicy chicken, easy weeknight dinner