If you’re looking for the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor and impossible to mess up, this Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast is your ticket to a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal. Each tender piece is infused with aromatic garlic, a touch of smokiness from paprika, and earthy herbs, all brought together with a golden, juicy finish. Perfect for both new cooks and seasoned pros, this recipe keeps things simple while delivering restaurant-worthy results—an absolute staple you’ll reach for again and again.

Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast lies in its lineup of simple, familiar ingredients, each one playing a key role. From rich olive oil that locks in moisture to aromatic seasonings that enhance every bite, these are the essentials you’ll want on hand.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking and juicy results every time.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings cling to the chicken, while giving it that golden glow.
Garlic cloves, minced: The star of the show—fresh garlic infuses the chicken with bold, savory depth.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper: Lends a gentle heat and balances the seasoning mix.
Paprika: Adds color and a hint of sweetness for a beautifully bronzed exterior.
Onion powder: Brings subtle umami undertones that round out the flavor profile.
Dried thyme (optional): A touch of herby brightness—totally optional but highly recommended!
Fresh parsley: For garnish; its freshness adds a pop of color and a final burst of flavor.

How to Make Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F, giving it enough time to reach the right temperature for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. Lightly grease a baking dish using olive oil or a spritz of cooking spray—this will prevent the chicken from sticking and help create a deliciously crisp texture on the outside. An even layer ensures every chicken breast cooks uniformly.

Step 2: Dry and Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This simple step is a game changer for getting a nice sear and locking in moisture. In a small mixing bowl, blend together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and, if you’re feeling fancy, the dried thyme. Spoon and rub this glorious mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Place your seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each piece. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes—no peeking! The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you want extra juicy chicken, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover for the rest of the bake to allow the top to brown beautifully.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once you pull your Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This short wait lets the juices redistribute, making every bite unbelievably moist. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t stop there—try adding lemon zest, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even thinly sliced green onions for a fresh finish. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also help brighten up the flavors and add extra appeal to your Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast.

Side Dishes

This chicken is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad to round out your meal. Rice pilaf, steamed broccoli, or even garlicky bread are all excellent matches that complement the savory notes of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad, or tuck slices into a sandwich with crisp lettuce and tomato. Dice leftovers and toss with pasta, or use them in wraps—Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast is as flexible as it is flavorful, letting your creativity shine in every meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This makes for speedy lunches or a quick protein boost for your next meal.

Freezing

Want to stretch your efforts even further? You can freeze fully cooked and sliced chicken breasts in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to separate the layers with parchment, so pieces don’t stick together and reheat more evenly later on.

Reheating

To keep that chicken juicy, reheat in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through, or use the microwave on medium power in short bursts. For best results, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to help retain moisture in your Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for boneless breasts, boneless skinless thighs work just as well—they’ll turn out a little juicier and lend a different flavor twist. Keep an eye on cooking times, as thighs may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

How do I keep my chicken breast from drying out?

The key is not to overbake. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results, pulling the chicken from the oven as soon as it hits 165°F. Letting it rest before slicing ensures those flavorful juices stay locked in.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Definitely! You can mix the olive oil and seasonings up to 3 days ahead and store them in a sealed container in the fridge. Even better, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor before baking your Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast is naturally gluten-free, since it uses no flour or breading. Just double-check your spices, especially paprika and onion powder, to ensure no cross-contamination for strict diets.

How can I add extra flavor or variety?

Try adding a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or swap thyme for rosemary for a slightly different herb profile. This recipe is endlessly adaptable—make it your own!

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the ease and flavor of Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast—you really get maximum reward for minimal effort. Whether it’s a quick family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, give this recipe a try and enjoy how simple, satisfying, and deliciously garlicky baked chicken can be!

Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and juicy dish with this Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast recipe. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and herbs, this chicken is a simple yet delicious option for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and mix olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme in a bowl.
Season the chicken: Rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts and place them in the baking dish.
Bake: Bake for 22–26 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley before serving.