Print

Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken

Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken

Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a fragrant mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil. Grilled to juicy perfection with an optional crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, this versatile recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive weekend barbecues. Mild and family-friendly, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herb Mixture

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional

  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Mixture: Finely chop the fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary. In a bowl, combine the chopped herbs with minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to form a fragrant, well-coated paste that will serve as the flavorful crust.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to ensure the herb mixture adheres properly. Evenly spread the herb mixture over each breast, pressing gently to stick. If using, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the herb-coated chicken and press lightly for added texture.
  3. Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking and promote nice grill marks.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid flipping too frequently to preserve the herb crust intact.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist bites.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and aroma.
  • Don’t skip the resting step to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
  • Monitor cooking time closely to avoid drying out the chicken; use a meat thermometer if possible.
  • Oil the grill grates well to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  • Breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture but can be omitted for a lighter crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb crusted chicken, grilled chicken, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner, barbecue chicken, gluten-free chicken