Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh rosemary, then topped with a melty Italian cheese blend. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
Topping
- ½ cup shredded Italian cheese blend
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Lightly grease a baking dish with a pat of butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Make the garlic butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is lightly browned but not burnt, to bring out aromatic flavors. Stir in the fresh rosemary leaves and remove the skillet from heat.
- Dress the chicken: Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, coating them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend evenly on top of the chicken. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes slightly bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for approximately 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Transfer chicken breasts to serving plates, spoon the garlic butter sauce from the baking dish over the chicken, and serve immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure not to burn the garlic while cooking it in butter as it can turn bitter and ruin the sauce flavor.
- Fresh rosemary provides the best aroma and flavor; dried rosemary can be used but use less.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps it remain juicy when sliced.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for safe consumption.
- Italian cheese blend often includes mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone, adding great flavor and meltiness.
