Parmesan Herb Chicken
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This Parmesan Herb Chicken brings together simple ingredients like Parmesan, herbs, and chicken breasts to create a flavorful, no-fuss meal. It’s quick and easy to put together, requiring just a handful of staple ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with herby, cheesy goodness.
Easy Parmesan Herb Chicken
My Parmesan Herb Chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer for your dinner routine. It’s so easy to whip up, blending juicy chicken with a heavenly mix of melted butter, Parmesan, and fragrant herbs. Trust me, the combination of these simple yet flavorful ingredients creates a dish that’s not just satisfying, but a surefire hit with everyone at the table.
Pro Tip
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated. Fresh Parmesan melts better and infuses the chicken with a richer, more authentic flavor. Plus, it adds a lovely, golden-brown crust when baked!
- Chicken breasts: They’re nice and lean but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier meat.
- Unsalted butter: I use unsalted but you can use salted, just reduce the amount of salt you use. You could substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Olive oil: Opt for a good quality olive oil.
- Parmesan cheese: Always use freshly grated. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
- Garlic: Fresh is best, use as much or as little as you like.
- Dried basil, oregano, and thyme: Feel free to mix and match with what you have on hand, like rosemary or Italian seasoning.
- Red pepper flakes: They add a little kick. Adjust the amount to your taste, or skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken. Adjust these to your liking.
- Fresh parsley: This is for garnish, adding a fresh, bright finish. You could use other fresh herbs like basil or chives if you’d like.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, take a small bowl and mix together the melted butter, olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
Next, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel – this helps the seasoning stick. Generously season them with salt and pepper. Lay the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Now, spoon your prepared Parmesan herb butter mixture over each one, spreading it evenly.
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the chicken breasts.
Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and maybe a little extra Parmesan for good measure, before serving.
How To Serve
This Parmesan Herb Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Polenta
Roasted Root Vegetables
Skillet Green Beans
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great substitute for breasts in this recipe. They’re juicier and more flavorful, but keep in mind they might require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content. Just ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, another method is to cut into the chicken; the juices should run clear and the meat should be opaque all the way through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Parmesan herb mixture and marinate the chicken in it up to a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
Expert Tips
- Broil for a Crispy Top: For a golden, crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh herbs can add more vibrant flavors. If available, use them in place of dried for a fresher taste.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the internal temperature to prevent the chicken from drying out. Remove it from the oven as soon as it hits 165°F (75°C).
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently warm the chicken in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can freeze the cooked chicken, although the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Make sure it’s cooled completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as above.
More Chicken Recipes To Try
- Chicken Cutlets
- Chicken Marbella
- Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Chicken Diane
- French Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Parmesan Sub
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Parmesan Herb Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Stir to create a fragrant herb butter.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper. Lay the chicken breasts in a baking dish and spoon the Parmesan herb butter mixture over each one, spreading it evenly.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to reabsorb those lovely juices.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and perhaps a little extra Parmesan before serving.
Equipment
Notes
- For Thicker Sauce: If you prefer more sauce, double the butter and Parmesan mixture.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs; rosemary or Italian seasoning can add a new twist.
- Cheese Options: If you don’t have Parmesan, try Asiago or Grana Padano for a similar flavor.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to retain moisture.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
