Name: Tuscan Herb Butter Baked Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian cuisine
Ingredients: 8 pcs chicken (bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks); 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped); 1 tbsp fresh thyme (finely chopped); 1 tbsp fresh oregano (finely chopped); 4 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper

Golden-brown baked chicken breasts rest on a rustic white plate, glistening with a herb butter sauce and sprinkled with fresh rosemary and thyme for a savory Tuscan feel.

Indulge in the rustic allure of Tuscany with this exquisite herb butter baked chicken. Succulent chicken pieces are generously coated in a fragrant blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano, harmoniously combined with rich butter, aromatic garlic, and a bright hint of lemon zest. As the chicken bakes to a beautiful golden perfection, this aromatic mixture infuses deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and bursting with flavor. For a complete meal, toss vibrant cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or red onion in the same herby butter and roast them alongside the chicken, allowing them to absorb all the delicious pan juices. This heartwarming and elegant baked dish is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special weekend gatherings, delivering sophisticated Italian-inspired flavors that evoke the charming Tuscan countryside.

Preparation time: 20 min
Cooking time: 45 min
Total time: 1 hr 5 min
Servings: 8

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3Carefully loosen the skin of each chicken piece, being careful not to detach it. Spread about half of the herb butter mixture evenly under the skin of the chicken.
4Rub the remaining herb butter mixture over the outside of the chicken pieces. Place the chicken in a large baking dish or on a sheet pan.
5In a separate bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them around the chicken in the baking dish.

Baking

1Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2If desired, baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through baking to keep it moist and enhance flavor.
3Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring more tender and succulent meat.

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3Carefully loosen the skin of each chicken piece, being careful not to detach it. Spread about half of the herb butter mixture evenly under the skin of the chicken.
4Rub the remaining herb butter mixture over the outside of the chicken pieces. Place the chicken in a large baking dish or on a sheet pan.
5In a separate bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them around the chicken in the baking dish.

Baking

1Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2If desired, baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through baking to keep it moist and enhance flavor.
3Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring more tender and succulent meat.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 451 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 31 g
Carbs: 3 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	451 kcal
Protein	30 g
Fat	31 g
Carbs	3 g