Craving a chicken dish that’s both juicy on the inside and boasts a satisfyingly crispy crust? I know the feeling! Soggy, herb-crusted chicken is a culinary disappointment no one wants to face. But fear not! This Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken Breast recipe guarantees a perfectly golden, crunchy coating every single time. It’s easier than you think, and the results are restaurant-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Breast
This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll be making this again and again:
- Effortless Crispy Crust: Say goodbye to soggy breading! Our simple technique ensures maximum crunch.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs, Parmesan, and garlic creates a symphony of deliciousness.
- Juicy and Tender Chicken: The secret lies in a little chicken broth, which steams the chicken, keeping it moist and succulent.
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Pairs well with almost any side dish, making it a family favorite.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk ingredients. The magic of this dish lies in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Fresh herbs are key for that bright, aromatic taste, while Parmesan adds a salty, savory depth. And of course, we’ll focus on achieving that ultimate crispy crust.
- Chicken Breasts: We’re using 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Opt for breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. You can also pound them to an even thickness for quicker, more consistent results.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
- Bread Crumbs: This is the foundation of our crispy crust! I recommend using plain bread crumbs (not seasoned) so you can control the flavors. Panko bread crumbs will also work for an extra crispy result.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, umami punch that complements the herbs perfectly. Freshly grated is always best for flavor.
- Fresh Thyme & Parsley: These fresh herbs are the stars of the show! Two tablespoons each of chopped fresh thyme and parsley will bring a vibrant, herbaceous flavor. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano as well.
- Garlic Powder: For a subtle garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection. A half teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper will do the trick, but adjust to your liking.
- Chicken Broth: This is our secret weapon for ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender while it bakes. The steam created by the broth keeps the chicken from drying out.
Crafting Your Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken: Step-by-Step
Ready to create some crispy, delicious chicken? Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is incredibly straightforward. The key to success lies in a few simple techniques, which I’ll guide you through step-by-step. Let’s get started!
- Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the crust gets nice and golden brown.
- Prepare the Chicken (Crucial Step!): This is where the “never soggy” magic begins! Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Seriously, don’t skip this step. Moisture is the enemy of a crispy crust. The drier the chicken, the better the breadcrumbs will adhere and the crispier the final result will be.
- Make the Herb Crust: In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh thyme, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. This ensures that each bite of chicken will be packed with flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: Drizzle each dried chicken breast with olive oil. This acts as a “glue” for the breadcrumb mixture. Then, press each chicken breast into the bread crumb mixture, coating thoroughly on both sides. Don’t be shy – press firmly to help the crumbs adhere. The better the adhesion, the crispier the crust!
- Bake to Perfection: Place the coated chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the dish. This creates steam that will help keep the chicken moist and tender while it bakes. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a beautiful presentation. You can slice the chicken or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken Every Time
Want to take your Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken Breast to the next level? Here are a few pro tips to ensure success every time:
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures they cook at the same rate and prevent some parts from drying out before others are done.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the chicken breasts aren’t touching each other in the baking dish. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
- Adjust the Herbs to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices! Rosemary, oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a unique twist.
- Use a Wire Rack (Optional): For maximum crispiness, place the coated chicken breasts on a wire rack set inside the baking dish. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even browning.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
What to Serve With Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken
This Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken Breast is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving it with:
- Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or sweet potatoes are all excellent choices. For a hearty side, consider trying these Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes.
- A fresh salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Rice or quinoa: These grains are a great way to soak up all the delicious juices from the chicken. Golden Rice Pilaf makes an excellent accompaniment.
- Creamy Spiced Potatoes provides a comforting and flavourful side.
Your Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute dried herbs if needed. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you a slightly crispier crust, but regular breadcrumbs will still work well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the chicken broth to the baking dish just before baking.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The chicken broth in the bottom of the baking dish helps to keep the chicken moist. Also, be sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I cook this chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy Your Homemade Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken Breast that’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Say goodbye to soggy chicken forever! This recipe is simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Now it’s your turn to give it a try. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow food lovers!
Crispy Herb Crusted Chicken Breast (Never Soggy!)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is key to getting a crispy crust! Moisture is the enemy.
- Make the Herb Crust: In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Drizzle each chicken breast with olive oil. Then, press each chicken breast into the bread crumb mixture, coating thoroughly on both sides. Press firmly to help the crumbs adhere.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The chicken broth steams the chicken ensuring its tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.