I'm a bright and citrusy chicken breast, coated in a crunchy mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. The lemon juice and orange zest add a nice burst of citrus flavor to this tasty and refreshing dish.
Ingredients
- 4 6-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp grated orange zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, toasted until lightly golden
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Method
- 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), lining a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 2In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.
- 3In a separate bowl, mix together toasted breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, stirring in the grated orange zest until evenly distributed.
- 4Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then brush the herb and lemon mixture evenly over each breast, making sure to coat all surfaces.
- 5Dredge the coated chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the meat, until all breasts are evenly crusted.
- 6Place the crusted chicken breasts on the prepared baking tray, leaving about 1 inch of space between each breast to allow for even cooking.
- 7Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), with a lightly golden crust forming on the outside.
- 8Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.