🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 🐓 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 🌿 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 🌱 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 🌿 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 🌾 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 🥚 1 large egg, beaten
- 🧈 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 🧈 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
- 🍋 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 🥣 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 🌿 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Crust Mixture:
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake the chicken for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add Lemon and Broth:
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
- Plate the Dish:
- Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the baked chicken breasts. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon slices for presentation.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🧄 Garlic Lover’s Twist: Add extra garlic to the breadcrumb mixture for a stronger flavor.
- 🧀 Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for a richer crust.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for the crust.
- 🍷 Wine Sauce: Substitute chicken broth with white wine for a more gourmet sauce.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish alongside roasted asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh mixed green salad for a complete and elegant meal.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast with Lemon Butter Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple to prepare at home. The crispy, herbaceous crust pairs beautifully with the tangy, buttery sauce, making this a perfect choice for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions.
