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These herb and butter roasted chicken breasts are simple, aromatic, and wonderfully dependable for busy weeknights. Bone-in breasts stay juicy in the oven, while a mixture of fresh herbs and butter melts under the skin and bastes the meat as it roasts.
The result is a golden, flavorful chicken dinner that pairs with just about anything — mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, stuffing, or a crisp green salad. It’s classic, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
I used split chicken breasts on the bone, but feel free to use chicken thighs or legs. The ideal temperature for chicken breasts is 165 F, but if you are using thighs or legs, I recommend at least 175 F.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Juicy and flavorful. Butter under the skin keeps the chicken moist and rich.
Herb-forward aroma. Rosemary, thyme, and chives give the chicken bright, savory flavor.
Perfect for weeknights. A simple prep and hands-off bake make this a reliable dinner staple.
Versatile sides. Pairs beautifully with potatoes, rice, or any roasted vegetable.
Ingredient Notes
- Bone-in chicken breasts: Stay moist and flavorful during roasting.
- Butter: Softened butter carries the herbs under and over the skin.
- Rosemary & thyme: Use fresh if possible; dried versions work well too.
- Chives & parsley: Optional but add brightness and color.
- Salt & pepper: Season generously for best flavor.
Steps to Make Herb and Butter Roasted Chicken Breasts
- Heat the oven and prepare a foil-lined baking pan.
- Arrange the chicken breasts skin-side up in the pan.
- Mix softened butter with herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a portion under the skin of each chicken breast.
- Melt remaining herb butter for brushing.
- Roast the chicken until cooked through, brushing once or twice.
- Let rest briefly before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before adding the butter for better browning.
- Use softened butter so it spreads easily under the skin.
- Tuck herbs under the skin to keep them from burning during roasting.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Add a squeeze of lemon over the chicken just before serving for brightness.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic-herb version. Add 1–2 minced garlic cloves to the butter mixture.
- Lemon herb chicken. Add lemon zest and a splash of juice to the butter.
- Smoked paprika twist. Mix a pinch into the butter for a lightly smoky, golden finish.
- Creamy baked version. Add a splash of cream or broth to the pan before roasting.
- Italian herb blend. Swap the rosemary and thyme for basil, oregano, and parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or rice.
- Pair with sautéed green beans, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad.
- Add a simple pan gravy for extra richness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Warm gently in a 300°F oven or in a covered skillet with a splash of broth.
Herb and Butter Roasted Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- Cooking oil spray, for the pan
- 4 chicken breasts, on the bone with skin
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary or 3/4 teaspoon crumbled rosemary
- 2 tsp fresh chopped thyme or 3/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
- 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tsp snipped fresh chives (optional)
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for sprinkling
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking oil spray.Cooking oil spray (for the pan)
- Arrange the chicken breasts, skin side up, in the baking pan. Combine the softened butter with rosemary, thyme, parsley, and chives (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper; mix until well blended. Put about 2 teaspoons of the mixture under the skin of each chicken breast. Sprinkle lightly with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reserve the remaining herb butter. Warm it briefly until just softened or barely melted for basting.4 chicken breasts (on the bone with skin) | 3 tbsp butter (softened) | 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary or 3/4 teaspoon crumbled rosemary | 2 tsp fresh chopped thyme or 3/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme | 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley | 2 tsp snipped fresh chives (optional) | 1/4 tsp kosher salt (plus more for sprinkling) | 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus more for sprinkling)
- Roast the chicken breasts for about 35 minutes, or until they reach 165°F when inserted in the thickest part. Brush them with the reserved her butter mixture once or twice.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
