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How to Make Lighter Crispy Baked Chicken Breast with Herb Butter

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This recipe delivers golden, crunchy baked chicken breasts with a melty herb butter that bakes right into the crust. It’s a healthier, faster alternative to deep-frying that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large boneless, skin-on chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Olive oil spray (or light drizzle of olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, parsley, chives, garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed. Set aside at room temperature.
  3. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  4. Gently slide fingers under the skin of each chicken breast to create a pocket without tearing the skin.
  5. Divide half the herb butter evenly between the two breasts, tucking it under the skin. Rub remaining herb butter over the top of the skin.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
  7. Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Gently shake off excess. Place on prepared wire rack, skin side up.
  8. Lightly spray the top of each chicken breast with olive oil spray.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If not brown enough at 20 minutes, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest on wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for best crust. Let butter come to room temperature for even spreading. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko and ensure Parmesan is gluten-free. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and skip Parmesan (add extra panko).

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, crispy chicken, herb butter, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner, meal prep, panko crusted chicken

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