Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breast

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Coated in a golden herb crust, baked to tender perfection with a hint of lemon zest. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh rosemary 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary, 2 teaspoons chopped thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Brush the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, then sprinkle 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the top, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are golden brown, basting once halfway with pan juices.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices. Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breast take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breast?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breast?

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 Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breast 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 Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breast?

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.

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