Introducing a delightful culinary creation straight from the pages of Bon Appétit magazine: Baked Herb-Crusted Chicken Breasts. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. 🍽️ Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a bustling weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend feast, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With a prep time that includes marinating, you’ll want to plan ahead to fully savor the flavors that await.
Let’s dive into the kitchen and gather our ingredients for this savory delight. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breast halves | 6 |
| Fresh lemon juice | 6 |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh basil | 1 1/2 cups |
| Fresh parsley | 6 tablespoons |
| Fresh rosemary | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Ground black pepper | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Lemon wedges | – |
Now that we have our ingredients assembled, let’s embark on this culinary journey step by step:
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Preparation:
- Begin by gently pounding the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap until they reach a uniform thickness of 1/2 to 3/4 inches. This step ensures even cooking and tender results.
- Next, arrange the flattened chicken breasts in a 15 x 10 x 2-inch glass baking dish.
- Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the chicken, covering them completely.
- Cover the dish and transfer it to the refrigerator to marinate for 1 hour. This allows the chicken to soak up the vibrant flavors of the lemon juice, imparting a tangy zest to every bite.
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Preparation of Herb Crust:
- After the marinating time is complete, remove the chicken from the dish and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the herb crust adheres perfectly to the chicken during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding.
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Creating the Herb Crust:
- In a pie dish or shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped fresh basil, parsley, rosemary, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix them well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Brush each chicken breast on both sides with the melted butter and olive oil mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
- Dip each chicken breast into the herb breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface. Ensure both sides are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
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Baking:
- Transfer the coated chicken breasts to a baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken, uncovered, until they are cooked through and the herb crust is golden brown. This typically takes about 20 minutes, but be sure to check for doneness by testing with a meat thermometer.
- Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and transfer them to serving plates.
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Serving:
- Garnish the baked herb-crusted chicken breasts with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful harmony of tender chicken infused with aromatic herbs and zesty lemon notes.
With its golden crust, juicy interior, and vibrant flavors, this Baked Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this dish is a testament to the joy of home cooking. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of herbs and spices fill your kitchen as you embark on this culinary adventure. Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable flavors! 🌟
