Sure, let’s delve into the delicious world of Parmesan Baked Chicken! This recipe is a savory delight, combining the succulence of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with the irresistible flavor of fat-free Parmesan cheese, seasoned to perfection with paprika, salt, and pepper, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, with its low carbohydrate content and high protein content, it’s a wholesome option that fits into a variety of dietary lifestyles. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fat-free Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup light butter
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken bakes evenly and develops that lovely golden crust.
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Prepare the Dry Mix: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the fat-free Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination of seasonings adds depth of flavor and a touch of warmth to the chicken.
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Melt the Butter: Place the light butter in a microwave-safe dish and melt it in the microwave until it’s completely liquefied. This melted butter will serve as the perfect adhesive for the dry mix to adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crispy, flavorful coating.
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Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring that it’s evenly coated on all sides. Then, dredge the butter-coated chicken in the dry mix, pressing gently to ensure that the seasoning adheres to the surface of the chicken.
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Arrange on a Baking Pan: Place the coated chicken breasts on a large baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking and browning.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking pan to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes to prevent it from overcooking and becoming dry.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavorful. Serve your Parmesan Baked Chicken alongside your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 191.3
- Fat Content: 7.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 83.3mg
- Sodium Content: 451.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 3.6g
- Fiber Content: 0.3g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 26g
Recipe Notes:
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your personal taste preferences. You can add additional seasonings or herbs to the dry mix, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even shredded mozzarella, to create unique variations of this classic dish.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your Parmesan Baked Chicken with a variety of delicious side dishes to round out the meal. Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach are all excellent choices for adding a boost of color and nutrition to your plate. For a heartier option, try serving the chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf. And don’t forget to drizzle some homemade marinara sauce or garlic aioli over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor!
- Storage and Reheating: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, flipping occasionally, until heated to your liking. Be sure not to overheat the chicken, as this can cause it to become dry and rubbery.
With its crispy, golden exterior and juicy, tender interior, this Parmesan Baked Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a comforting meal at home, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers delicious results every time. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavor of homemade Parmesan Baked Chicken tonight! 🍗✨
