Herb-Crusted Chicken Breasts

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Herb-Crusted Chicken Breasts are a delightful twist on the traditional chicken dinner. This recipe pairs savory herbs with crispy breadcrumbs to create a dish that's as satisfying as it is simple. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Chicken Breasts

The star here is the fresh herbs. Parsley brings a touch of freshness, while thyme adds a subtle earthiness. Rosemary contributes a fragrant pine-like aroma, making each bite aromatic. The Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds to the crispiness. Bread crumbs form the base of the crust, giving that satisfying crunch. To season, a bit of garlic powder and onion powder add depth, with salt and pepper rounding it all off. Lastly, eggs help the crumb mix stick to the chicken, and olive oil ensures a golden brown crust during cooking.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your skillet is oven-safe to avoid transferring the chicken to a different dish.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time.
  • For an extra crispy crust, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.

Serving Suggestions

This Herb-Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with a light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto. A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots can also complement the flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?
You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Herb-Crusted Chicken Breasts Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it's ready when you need to transfer the chicken for baking. Next, grab a shallow bowl and mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure it's well combined so each chicken breast gets an even coat.

Take your chicken breasts and dip each one into the beaten eggs. This step is crucial as it helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere properly. After the egg bath, press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it's evenly coated on all sides. Don't rush this; a good coating means better flavor.

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them until they're golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes per side. This quick sear locks in the juices and starts the crisping process.

After both sides are beautifully browned, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes. You'll know it's done when the internal temperature hits 165°F, ensuring it's cooked through yet still juicy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple ingredients.
  • Packed with flavor from fresh herbs.
  • Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
  • Adaptable to suit your taste with different herbs or cheeses.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring even coating.
4. Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture to evenly coat.
5. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

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