Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

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

Juicy chicken breast glazed with a herby garlic butter sauce, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a rich, savory finish. This italian-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken breast, garlic cloves, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mash 3 minced garlic cloves with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Rub the mixture under and over 2 chicken breasts.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a baking dish and roast for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: While the chicken roasts, zest 1 lemon and set aside. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup grated Parmesan with 1 tbsp lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle over the chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?

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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?

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-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter and Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?

Italian grilling 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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