Mediterranean Herb Crusted Chicken
This Mediterranean herb crusted chicken features a crispy, flavorful crust packed with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and parmesan. It’s a quick, healthy, and crowd-pleasing dinner that brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean to your table in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced (optional)
- Zest from 1 large lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. If using a wire rack, place it on top and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl or food processor, combine breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, garlic, parmesan, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse or stir until well combined and mixture resembles damp sand.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with a splash of water until smooth.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dip each piece in the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press into the herb breading, coating both sides well. Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet or rack.
- Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the tops of the chicken.
- Bake for 22–28 minutes, depending on thickness, until the crust is golden and the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) inside. If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, use fresh herbs, pat chicken dry, and pound to even thickness. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free cheese can be substituted. Let chicken rest before slicing for maximum juiciness. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a crispy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz cooked)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 34
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