Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Lemon-Butter Sauce

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

Juicy chicken breasts filled with fresh herbs, baked to perfection and finished with a bright lemon-butter glaze. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends (about 6 oz each) chicken breast, (chopped) parsley, (chopped) thyme into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Make a horizontal slit in the thickest part of each chicken breast to create a pocket, then stuff each with 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped thyme, and 1/4 cup chopped basil.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth into skillet, transfer to oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While chicken bakes, combine 2 tbsp butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from oven, let chicken rest 5 minutes, then add lemon-butter sauce to pan. Swirl to combine and spoon over chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Lemon-Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Lemon-Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Lemon-Butter Sauce?

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-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Lemon-Butter Sauce 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-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Lemon-Butter Sauce?

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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