Meet the Zesty Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast, your new weeknight hero. This dish combines fragrant herbs and bright lemon zest for a delightfully flavorful and crispy crust. Get ready to impress without the stress!
Chicken breasts are the star here, providing a lean and tender base for our herb crust. Bread crumbs give us that satisfying crunch, while Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. The combination of olive oil, parsley, rosemary, and thyme creates a fragrant, herbaceous coating. Garlic powder brings a subtle warmth, and lemon zest provides a zesty brightness. Finally, a touch of salt and black pepper balances the flavors perfectly.
This chicken pairs beautifully with a light, fresh salad — think arugula with a lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a creamy risotto. A glass of chilled white wine would complement the zest and herbs nicely.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it's nice and hot when your chicken goes in, which is key for a crispy crust. While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Stir them up until they’re well combined. This is your powerhouse coating, so make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Take each chicken breast and brush it generously with olive oil. This step is crucial as it helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken and adds moisture during baking. Now, press each oiled chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, flipping to ensure both sides are evenly coated. Don’t be shy — press down firmly so every inch gets covered.
Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which guarantees the chicken is safely cooked and juicy.
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