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Best Juicy Herb Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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This juicy herb butter baked chicken breast features impossibly crisp skin and tender meat, thanks to a compound butter technique that bastes the chicken from the inside out. A simple yet impressive weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 large boneless, skin-on chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give it a good 15-20 minutes to come to temperature.
  2. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mash it all together with a fork until evenly distributed.
  3. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with the remaining salt and pepper. Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin from the meat, creating a pocket. Slide about half of the herb butter mixture under the skin of each breast, spreading it evenly. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the chicken breasts skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them over.
  5. Add the broth: Pour the chicken broth around the chicken, not directly over the skin.
  6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
  7. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  8. Make the pan sauce (optional): While the chicken rests, place the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream to create a simple sauce. Spoon it over the chicken when serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs and let the butter soften naturally at room temperature. Don’t skip the sear or the resting time—both are crucial for juicy, flavorful chicken. If using dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount listed. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or olive oil. The herb butter can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/best-juicy-herb-butter-baked-chicken-breast-recipe/