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Easy Herb Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

herb butter baked chicken breast - featured image

This herb butter baked chicken breast recipe creates a gorgeous golden crust while keeping the inside impossibly tender. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix with a fork until well combined and set aside at room temperature.
  3. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. If uneven in thickness, butterfly them to create even pieces.
  4. Season the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken and rub in gently. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Apply the herb butter: Spread about 1 tablespoon of herb butter evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering from edge to edge.
  6. Arrange in the baking dish: Place chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish with about an inch of space between them. Dollop any remaining herb butter on top.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part.
  8. Rest the chicken: Remove from oven, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5-7 minutes.
  9. Serve: Spoon pan juices over the chicken before serving. Slice against the grain.

Notes

For best results, let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Resting is crucial for juicy chicken. If using dried herbs, use one-third of the amount. For dairy-free, substitute with vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, low-carb chicken