Crispy Chicken with Herb Butter Recipe: Juicy Perfection on a Plate

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy chicken herb butter recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Golden-brown chicken meets luxurious melted herb butter in a dance of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Each bite promises a perfect crunch and rich, aromatic herbs that elevate the entire dish.

The combination of tender meat and crispy exterior creates an irresistible texture that’s hard to resist.

Herbs infused into creamy butter provide a restaurant-quality touch to a simple chicken preparation.

Seasonal herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley bring brightness and depth to this straightforward yet impressive meal.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this crowd-pleasing chicken masterpiece.

FAQs

• Why do I need to partially freeze the chicken before breading?

Partially freezing helps the chicken hold its shape and prevents the butter from leaking during cooking. It also makes the breading process easier and helps the coating stick better to the chicken.

• Can I use different herbs in the butter mixture?

Absolutely! You can experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to create your own unique flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely and mix well with the softened butter.

• What's the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 65C (165F) at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is cooked through without becoming dry.

What Makes Crispy Chicken with Herb Butter Special

• Herb butter hidden inside crispy chicken creates an incredible taste surprise that will wow everyone at the dinner table.
• This recipe teaches advanced cooking skills like stuffing, rolling, and double-coating chicken, making you feel like a professional chef with each step.
• Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality dish that looks complicated but is totally manageable.
• Combining crunchy golden breadcrumb exterior with juicy, herb-infused chicken interior delivers an unbeatable eating experience that guarantees clean plates.

Ingredients to Gather for Herb Butter Chicken

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat perfect for creating a flavorful rolled and crispy dish.

• Butter: A rich and creamy base that adds luxurious flavor and moisture to the chicken.
• Parsley, Garlic: Fresh herbs and aromatics that enhance the butter's taste and provide a fragrant depth.
• Salt: A seasoning that balances and intensifies the overall flavor profile.

• Flour, Egg, Breadcrumbs: A classic three-step coating that creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior and helps seal in the herb butter.
• Black Pepper: A spice that adds a subtle heat and complements the chicken's seasoning.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for frying that helps achieve a crisp and golden chicken exterior.
• Baking Paper, Cling Film, Freezer Bags: Kitchen tools that assist in shaping, wrapping, and preparing the chicken rolls.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh touch to the final presentation.

Must-Have Tools for Making Herb Butter Chicken

• Meat Mallet: Essential for pounding chicken to an even thickness.
• Freezer Bags or Parchment Paper: Helps flatten chicken without mess.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining butter and herbs.
• Baking Paper: Helps shape and chill butter log.
• Three Separate Bowls: Needed for flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating.
• Heavy-Based Pot: Crucial for deep frying chicken.
• Rack and Baking Tray: Used for baking and draining excess oil.
• Cling Film: Helps wrap and shape chicken rolls.
• Whisk: For beating eggs smoothly.
• Thermometer: Optional but helpful for checking oil and chicken temperature.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting butter and garnishing.

Step-by-Step: Crispy Chicken with Herb Butter

Step 1: Whip Up Garlic Herb Butter

Grab a mixing bowl and blend softened butter with finely chopped parsley, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt.

Mix until everything comes together in a smooth, fragrant mixture.

Step 2: Shape Butter Logs

Transfer the butter blend onto baking paper.

Carefully shape into a neat rectangular log about 10 x 6cm.

Pop into the refrigerator to firm up, then slice lengthwise into two perfect batons.

Step 3: Flatten Chicken Breasts

Place chicken between plastic wrap or parchment paper.

Using a meat mallet, gently pound until the chicken reaches an even 0.5cm thickness.

This ensures uniform cooking and tender meat.

Step 4: Season the Meat

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Don’t be shy – seasoning is key to flavor!

Step 5: Create Butter-Filled Rolls

Center a butter baton on each chicken breast.

Carefully fold the sides inward, then roll from the bottom up.

Ensure the seam is tucked underneath to keep the butter sealed inside.

Step 6: Initial Chill

Wrap each chicken roll tightly in cling film, twisting the ends to create a compact log.

Freeze for 30 minutes until the surface feels firm but not completely frozen.

Step 7: Prepare Coating Station

• One with all-purpose flour
• Another with whisked eggs
• The last with breadcrumbs

Coat each chicken roll by dipping first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.

Press firmly to ensure a crispy, even coating.

Step 8: Second Freezing

Return the breaded chicken rolls to the freezer for another 30 minutes.

This helps the coating stick and creates an extra crispy exterior.

Step 9: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Position a rack on a baking tray to catch any drips.

Step 10: Golden Fry

Heat oil in a heavy pot to 190°C.

Carefully lower the chicken rolls into the oil, cooking until they turn a beautiful golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).

Rotate occasionally for even coloring.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the fried chicken to the prepared rack.

Bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 65°C.

Make a tiny pierce on top to prevent butter from leaking.

Step 12: Final Touch and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Slice and enjoy your crispy, butter-filled masterpiece!

Chef Tips for Golden Herb Butter Chicken

• Partially freezing the chicken rolls helps maintain their shape and prevents butter from leaking during cooking.
• Pierce the top of the chicken to create a small vent, allowing steam to escape and preventing butter from bursting out.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 65C without overcooking.
• Press breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even, and extra-crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Maintain oil at 190C for perfect golden-brown crispiness without absorbing excess oil into the chicken.

Flavor Swaps for Herb Butter Chicken Magic

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Herb Swap Variation: Substitute parsley with fresh basil or dill in the butter mixture for a different aromatic herb profile that complements the chicken's richness.
• Low-Carb Chicken Roll: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and replace flour with ground almonds to create a keto-friendly coating that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine and use nutritional yeast for a similar rich flavor while accommodating dairy restrictions.

Plating Suggestions for Herb Butter Chicken

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Serve this crispy chicken alongside a vibrant mixed green salad with zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the herb butter.
• Comfort Companion Sides: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables like golden carrots and crisp asparagus spears to complement the chicken's crunchy exterior.
• Dipping Delight: Create a quick garlic aioli or herb-infused ranch dressing for extra flavor dimension, allowing guests to customize their eating experience with a tangy sauce.
• Garnish Grace: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and added herbal freshness that enhances the dish's visual appeal and aromatic profile.

Herb Butter Chicken: The Best Storage Methods

• Wrap cooked chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring the seal is tight to maintain freshness.
• Individually wrap cooled chicken rolls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 180C. Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 74C.

Crispy Chicken with Herb Butter Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken with herb butter elevates weeknight dinners with its golden-brown perfection. French-inspired techniques create a luxurious meal that satisfies refined palates without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

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Crispy Chicken with Herb Butter Ingredients

Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts (220–250 grams / 7.7–8.8 ounces), skinless and boneless
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg, lightly whisked
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Garlic Butter Stuffing:

• 90 grams (3.17 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, very finely minced (2 teaspoons)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)

Cooking and Garnish:

• Canola or vegetable oil for frying (approximately 1 litre / 33.8 fluid ounces)
• Finely chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Craft an aromatic garlic-herb butter by blending softened butter with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until uniformly incorporated.
2. Carefully spread the butter mixture onto parchment paper, molding it into a precise rectangular shape. Refrigerate until solidified, then slice lengthwise into two slender batons.
3. Position chicken breast between protective plastic layers, gently pounding until achieving a consistent 0.5cm thickness using a meat mallet.
4. Generously season both surfaces of the flattened chicken with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
5. Strategically position a butter baton centrally on each chicken breast. Neatly fold edges inward, then meticulously roll from bottom to top, ensuring the seam faces downward.
6. Tightly encase each chicken roll in cling film, twisting ends to create compact logs. Partially freeze for 30 minutes until surface becomes firm but not completely frozen.
7. Arrange three separate coating stations: seasoned flour, whisked egg, and breadcrumbs. Methodically coat each chicken roll – first in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs – pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
8. Return breaded chicken rolls to freezer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing breading to set without full freezing.
9. Preheat oven to 180C, positioning a wire rack atop a baking tray for optimal heat circulation.
10. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 190C. Carefully submerge chicken rolls, frying until achieving a golden-brown exterior (approximately 2-3 minutes), rotating occasionally for even coloration.
11. Transfer golden-crusted chicken to prepared rack, baking for 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 65C. Create a small puncture at the top to prevent potential butter leakage.
12. Allow chicken to rest for 2 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added visual appeal and herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and shaping, preventing lumps in the herb butter.
• When pounding chicken, use consistent pressure to achieve an even thickness, which helps uniform cooking.
• Freezing the chicken rolls helps maintain their shape and prevents butter from leaking during cooking.
• For gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for crispy coating.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 37g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 150mg