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Tender Oven-Baked Boneless Chicken Breast Recipe with Herb Butter Easy and Juicy

oven-baked boneless chicken breast - featured image
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A simple and forgiving oven-baked boneless chicken breast recipe featuring herb-infused butter that keeps the chicken tender, juicy, and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz / 170–225 g each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add smoked paprika or cayenne if using.
  3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  4. Brush or spread the herb butter generously over both sides of each chicken breast.
  5. Drizzle olive oil into the baking dish and spread it around to prevent sticking.
  6. Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring they are not touching.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness. Start checking at 20 minutes using an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If no thermometer, cut into the thickest part to check that juices run clear and meat is opaque but moist.
  8. Optional: For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  10. Serve warm, spooning any melted herb butter from the pan over the chicken.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before applying herb butter to ensure it sticks and roasts properly. Let chicken rest after baking to redistribute juices. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly. Herb butter can be made ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil-based spread. Optional broiling step adds a golden top.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven-baked chicken breast, herb butter chicken, juicy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, boneless chicken breast, weeknight dinner, simple chicken recipe

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/tender-oven-baked-boneless-chicken-breast-recipe-with-herb-butter-easy-and-juicy/