As the chicken roasts, the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of garlic and butter, a comforting scent that instantly makes you feel at home. There’s something magical about how these simple ingredients transform in the oven. The garlic, mellowing and sweetening with each minute, blends perfectly with the rich, creamy butter, creating a savory sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. Youāll notice the skin crisps up into a golden perfection, crackling slightly as it cooks, sealing in all that juicy flavor.
When itās finally time to take the chicken out of the oven, youāll be greeted by a glossy, buttery sheen that promises indulgence. The crispy edges give way to tender, moist meat inside. A simple drizzle of the pan sauce over the chicken and itās a bite of heaven. The balance of garlic, butter, and just the right amount of seasoning makes each mouthful feel like a little celebration. It’s a dish that invites you to savor every bite, sharing it with friends or enjoying it all to yourself.
Key Ingredients in Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
The ingredients for this dish are simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the depth of flavor that makes this chicken so special. Letās take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish. These lean cuts are tender and juicy when roasted, and they soak up all the savory goodness from the garlic butter sauce.
- Unsalted butter: This rich, creamy butter forms the base of the sauce, creating a luscious, indulgent coating for the chicken. Its subtle flavor lets the garlic and herbs shine through.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is what infuses the chicken with that irresistible aroma. As it roasts, the garlic softens and sweetens, adding depth and warmth to the dish.
- Olive oil: A splash of olive oil helps the butter coat the chicken evenly, and it contributes a hint of fruity richness that complements the garlic.
- Dried thyme: A classic herb for roasted chicken, thyme brings a earthy, slightly floral flavor that elevates the overall dish. Itās the perfect savory note that balances the richness of the butter.
- Dried rosemary: This herb adds a woodsy, pine-like aroma and flavor. Rosemary pairs wonderfully with chicken, giving the dish a rustic, comforting feel.
- Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out all the flavors in the chicken and the sauce. It enhances the savory notes and helps everything come together beautifully.
- Black pepper: The subtle heat of black pepper adds just the right amount of spice, balancing the richness of the butter and cutting through the savory garlic.
- Paprika: Paprika lends a mild smokiness and a hint of warmth to the dish. It gives the chicken a nice color and deepens the overall flavor.
- Onion powder: This gives the chicken a savory undertone, enhancing the garlic and herbs without overpowering them. Itās the perfect background flavor to round out the sauce.
- Garlic powder: While fresh garlic does most of the work, garlic powder intensifies that garlic flavor, creating a more complex and rich seasoning for the chicken.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: These tiny flakes bring a gentle kick of heat that adds a little zip to the dish, balancing the richness of the butter with a pleasant warmth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and color. Itās the perfect finishing touch, brightening up the dish and offering a crisp contrast to the rich, buttery sauce.
- Lemon, sliced: The lemon slices add a touch of acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter and brightening up the flavors of the dish. The zest from the lemon also complements the herbs, creating a well-rounded, vibrant flavor.
How to Make Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken breasts on a clean surface or a cutting board.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat once the garlic has softened and become fragrant.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a large oven-safe skillet or a baking dish.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken breasts in the skillet or baking dish.
- Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Halfway through the roasting time, spoon some of the garlic butter over the chicken breasts to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet or baking dish from the oven.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Sprinkle the roasted chicken with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
Pair with Roasted Vegetables: The rich garlic butter sauce is perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables. Think tender carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even crispy potatoes. The savory flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting side dish that complements the chicken perfectly. Plus, those roasted veggies will soak up all that buttery goodness!
Serve with a Fresh Salad: For a lighter, refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken, serve it alongside a simple salad. A mix of arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette brings a burst of freshness and balances the dish with a touch of acidity. It’s like a perfect harmony of flavors in every bite!
Make it a Meal with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: If youāre craving something extra cozy, mashed potatoes are your best friend. The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the garlicky chicken, and theyāll gladly soak up every bit of that flavorful pan sauce. Itās the ultimate comfort meal to share with family or to enjoy all by yourself.
Whatās your favorite way to enjoy this chicken?
How to Store Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
If youāve made extra of this delicious garlic butter chicken and want to save it for later, storing it properly is key to keeping it as tasty as when it was freshly roasted. First, let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. This helps avoid any condensation that could make the chicken soggy.
To keep the chicken moist and flavorful, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, try warming it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps keep the chickenās texture intact and prevents it from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Itāll stay fresh for about 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, just let the chicken thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it up in the oven, as mentioned earlier, for that crispy skin and juicy meat.
Thereās something about the way the garlic butter sauce intensifies when reheated, making the chicken even more irresistible the second time around!
Conclusion
And there you have it ā a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe for oven roasted garlic butter chicken thatās sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. From the moment that buttery, garlicky aroma fills the air to the first bite of tender, juicy chicken, this dish is pure comfort on a plate. Whether you serve it with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes, every bite is a celebration of flavors that are both cozy and indulgent.
I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do! Thereās nothing better than a dish thatās easy to make but feels like a special treat. If you try it, Iād love to hear how it turned out ā or if you have any tips or twists of your own, Iām all ears! As always, if you have any questions or need help while making the recipe, donāt hesitate to ask. Iām here to help you make this dish perfect every time. Happy cooking!

Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
Description
Tender, juicy chicken roasted to golden perfection, bathed in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. Each bite bursts with the warmth of roasted garlic, creamy butter, and a hint of fresh herbsāan irresistible comfort food classic!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Place the chicken breasts on a clean surface or a cutting board.
-
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
-
Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
-
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
-
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
-
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
-
Remove the saucepan from the heat once the garlic has softened and become fragrant.
-
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a large oven-safe skillet or a baking dish.
-
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly.
-
Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken breasts in the skillet or baking dish.
-
Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven.
-
Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
-
Halfway through the roasting time, spoon some of the garlic butter over the chicken breasts to keep them moist and flavorful.
-
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet or baking dish from the oven.
-
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
-
Sprinkle the roasted chicken with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Note
- PattingRest chicken for at least 5 minutes after roasting to keep it juicy and tender.