ππ§π¨βπ³ Sure, I’d love to tell you all about Baked Parmesan Chicken! ππ§π¨βπ³
What is Baked Parmesan Chicken?
Baked Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and savory dish that features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan cheese and breadcrumb crust. It’s a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s known for its rich, cheesy flavor and crispy texture.
History:
The exact origins of Baked Parmesan Chicken are a bit unclear, but it’s believed to be inspired by Italian recipes like Chicken Parmesan (or Chicken Parmigiana), which typically involves frying breaded chicken cutlets and then smothering them in marinara sauce and melted cheese. Baking the chicken with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs is a variation that offers a slightly healthier and easier preparation method.
Components:
To make Baked Parmesan Chicken, you’ll need the following components:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient for flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Dry breadcrumbs create a crispy coating.
- Seasonings: Common seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Olive oil: Used for brushing the chicken to help it brown.
- Optional: Marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a twist closer to Chicken Parmesan.
Steps to Prepare Baked Parmesan Chicken:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer.
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Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast into the mixture, ensuring they’re coated evenly.
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Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish.
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Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. This will help them turn golden brown during baking.
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Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
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Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. You can serve it as is for a crispy, cheesy delight or add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top for a more traditional twist.
Total Time Needed:
The total time to prepare Baked Parmesan Chicken will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your oven’s performance. On average, it takes approximately 40-45 minutes from start to finish, including prep time.
Enjoy your homemade Baked Parmesan Chicken! π½οΈππ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Baked Parmesan Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, without sauce and cheese):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Protein: About 35-40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
- Cholesterol: 100-120 milligrams
- Sodium: 600-700 milligrams
Health Information:
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Protein: Baked Parmesan Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health, immune function, and overall growth and repair in the body.
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Calories: The calorie content can vary based on portion size and ingredients used. To make it a healthier option, you can use whole-grain breadcrumbs and a moderate amount of olive oil for a balance of healthy fats.
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Saturated Fat: Be mindful of the saturated fat content, primarily from the Parmesan cheese and any added butter or oil. You can reduce saturated fat by using less cheese or opting for a lower-fat cheese alternative.
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Sodium: Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs can add sodium to the dish. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium breadcrumbs and reducing added salt in the recipe.
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Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is relatively low, making it suitable for low-carb diets. However, keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.
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Fiber: This dish is not particularly high in fiber, so consider serving it with a side of vegetables or a salad to increase fiber intake.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken provides essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (B6, niacin) and selenium, which are important for metabolism and immune function.
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Customization: You can make Baked Parmesan Chicken even healthier by using whole-grain breadcrumbs, adding more herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt, and serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for added nutrients.
Remember that the nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes, so it’s a good idea to calculate the nutrition facts based on your exact recipe and portion sizes for precise dietary information.