Half Measure Herb Chicken
A simple yet flavorful chicken dish cooked with exactly half the usual amount of butter and herbs, resulting in perfectly balanced richness and freshness. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs unsalted butter, finely chopped fresh rosemary, finely chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 1.5 lbs total) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming.
- Step 3: Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Step 4: Stir 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, and 1/4 cup chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over the top, and cook for 1 minute to heat through before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half Measure Herb Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half Measure Herb Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half Measure Herb Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half Measure Herb Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half Measure Herb Chicken?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
