Smith's Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast
Tender chicken breasts coated in a golden herb crust with lemon zest, finished with a fresh herb sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that's ready in 30 minutes. This american-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (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 420 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 (6 oz each, patted dry) boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp (finely chopped) fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp (finely chopped) fresh thyme
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp (chopped) fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge each in 1/4 cup flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 3: Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then stir in rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Stir in 3 tbsp chopped parsley, then return chicken to the pan. Cook for 1 minute to coat with sauce, ensuring even distribution.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith's Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Smith's Herb-Crusted 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's Herb-Crusted 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 Smith's Herb-Crusted 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.
Is Smith's Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.