Zesty Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breasts
This recipe for Zesty Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breasts elevates the humble chicken breast into a flavor-packed main dish. By marinating the chicken in a creamy mixture of sour cream or yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic spices, you'll achieve unrivaled tenderness and remarkable taste. The addition of dry breadcrumbs provides a deliciously crisp coating that contrasts beautifully with the moist, juicy chicken inside. Ideal for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Remember to prepare your breadcrumbs a day in advance to ensure they dry out properly, which will enhance the crispiness of the final result. Plan ahead and let the chicken marinate overnight for maximum flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sour cream or plain yogurt
1/2 cup (Use as is)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is)
Celery seed
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is)
Fresh minced garlic
2-3 cloves (Minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (optional) (Use as is)
Black pepper
to taste (Use as is)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
8 pieces (Use as is)
Fine dry breadcrumbs
2 cups (Make sure to dry breadcrumbs only)
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (optional) (Use as is)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream or yogurt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, paprika, minced garlic, salt (if using), and a generous amount of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2
Rinse the boneless, skinless chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3
Place the chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring that each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
4
The following day, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. In a shallow dish, mix the fine dry breadcrumbs with the seasoning salt (if using).
5
Coat each chicken breast generously with the seasoned dry breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
6
Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, ensuring they are spaced apart to promote even cooking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The coating should be golden brown and crispy.
8
Serve hot, and enjoy this delightful, tender, and flavorful chicken dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Zesty Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken Breasts?
The main ingredient is 8 pieces of boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
What can I use instead of sour cream in the marinade?
You can use an equal amount of plain yogurt instead of sour cream.
How long should the chicken marinate for maximum flavor?
The chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator overnight for the best results and maximum flavor.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken needs to bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the juices run clear.
What type of breadcrumbs are recommended for this recipe?
Fine dry breadcrumbs are recommended. It is suggested to prepare them a day in advance to ensure they are properly dried.
Is the salt in the marinade mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of salt is optional.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken?
Press the breadcrumbs gently onto each chicken breast after removing them from the marinade to ensure they stick well.
What gives the chicken its 'zesty' flavor?
The zesty flavor comes from a combination of 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and various aromatic spices like garlic and paprika.
How should I prepare the chicken before marinating?
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
The recipe calls for 2-3 cloves of fresh minced garlic for the best flavor profile.
What spices are included in the marinade?
The marinade includes celery seed, paprika, minced garlic, and black pepper.
Is seasoning salt used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt can be mixed with the breadcrumbs, though it is optional.
How should the baking sheet be prepared?
The baking sheet should be lined with aluminum foil and greased to prevent sticking.
Why is Worcestershire sauce used in this recipe?
A small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of Worcestershire sauce is added to the marinade to enhance the savory depth of the dish.
What is the texture of the chicken after baking?
The chicken remains moist and juicy on the inside with a golden brown, crispy breadcrumb coating on the outside.
How much sour cream or yogurt is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of sour cream or plain yogurt.
Does the chicken need to be spaced out on the baking sheet?
Yes, spacing the chicken breasts apart helps promote even cooking and crisping.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What should I do with excess marinade before breading?
Let any excess marinade drip off the chicken before placing it in the breadcrumb mixture.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
This specific recipe is designed for boneless skinless chicken breast halves; bone-in chicken would require adjusted cooking times.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
What happens if I don't dry my breadcrumbs?
Using fine dry breadcrumbs is key to achieving a crispy texture; fresh breadcrumbs may result in a softer coating.
How much celery seed is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed.
What color should the breaded coating be when finished?
The coating should be golden brown.
Can I use a different type of citrus?
While lemon juice is specified for this 'zesty' profile, other citrus may alter the intended flavor.
How many people does this recipe serve?
With 8 chicken breast halves, it typically serves 4 to 8 people depending on portion sizes.
Do I need to flip the chicken during baking?
The instructions do not require flipping, as baking at 400°F on a lined sheet helps the coating set.
Can I substitute the paprika?
Paprika adds color and mild flavor; you could use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, though it will change the profile.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served hot immediately after baking to enjoy the contrast between the crispy crust and juicy meat.