Chicken breasts are a staple in many kitchens, prized for their lean protein and adaptability. However, they can easily become dry if not cooked correctly. This juicy herb-crusted baked chicken breast recipe ensures flavorful and moist results every time. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
For the Herb Crust
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasonings adhere better and ensures even cooking. - Season the Chicken
Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme in a small bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in evenly. Sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. - Prepare the Herb Crust
Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and olive oil in another bowl. Mix until the breadcrumbs are lightly moistened and the mixture is evenly combined. - Add the Crust
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the herb crust mixture evenly over the top of each breast, pressing lightly to adhere. - Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The crust should be golden brown and slightly crispy. - Rest Before Serving
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This herb-crusted chicken pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a medley of roasted root vegetables.
- Grains: Complement the chicken with a side of quinoa, wild rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the herb crust.
For a complete meal, consider adding simple garlic butter pasta or crusty bread.
Tips for Success
- Pounding the Chicken
To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Place them between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten the thickest parts. - Use Fresh Herbs When Possible
Fresh parsley and basil elevate the dish’s flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried versions can be substituted, but use half the amount to avoid overpowering the dish. - Don’t Overbake
Overcooking chicken breasts can lead to dryness. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer at the 20-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook. - Customizing the Crust
Feel free to experiment with the herb crust by adding other ingredients, such as crushed nuts, lemon zest, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra zest.
Variations
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Before baking, squeeze lemon juice over the chicken for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: Double the Parmesan cheese in the crust for an extra cheesy and savory topping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To maintain the crispy crust, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
This herb-crusted baked chicken breast recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Juicy Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Chicken breasts are a staple in many kitchens, prized for their lean protein and adaptability. However, they can easily become dry if not cooked correctly.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- For the Herb Crust
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasonings adhere better and ensures even cooking.
- Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in evenly. Sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
- Prepare the Herb Crust
- In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are lightly moistened and the mixture is evenly combined.
- Add the Crust
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the herb crust mixture evenly over the top of each breast, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake the Chicken
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The crust should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Rest Before Serving
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful chicken.