Baked Chicken Breasts A La Russe
Juicy baked chicken breasts coated in a savory sour cream and spice marinade, then baked until tender. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wipe chicken dry on both sides with paper toweling.
- Combine sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, liquid red pepper, garlic, salt, and paprika in a bowl.
- Mix well to make the marinade.
- Place chicken in a close-fitting, shallow glass baking dish.
- Pour sour cream mixture over chicken and marinate, covered, overnight.
- Turn chicken occasionally during the marinating period.
- Leaving as much marinade as possible on the chicken pieces, dip each piece into bread crumbs to coat.
- Shape chicken pieces into compact bundles without folding them.
- Place chicken in a single layer in an ungreased baking dish.
- Refrigerate again, covered, for at least 1.5 hours.
- Place chicken in the oven directly from the refrigerator.
- Bake, uncovered, in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Serve with Baked Rice Pilaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of liquid red pepper to your taste. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt can be a great substitute. Ensure the chicken is patted dry well to help the marinade adhere better. This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs, making it versatile for gatherings or smaller dinners.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked chicken breasts alongside Baked Rice Pilaf for a complete meal, or pair with a fresh salad for a lighter option. This dish also complements well with roasted vegetables or a side of Crunchy Celery Skillet, adding a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, which helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken Breasts A La Russe contains roughly 81 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 879mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, skin-on chicken breasts can be used, but the cooking time may vary slightly. The skin will also add extra flavor, but it might not allow the marinade to penetrate as deeply. If you prefer a crispy skin, consider broiling the chicken for the last few minutes of baking.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar can be a good alternative. For a non-soy option, try mixing balsamic vinegar with a bit of brown sugar to mimic the sweet and savory profile of Worcestershire sauce.
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than overnight?
While marinating for longer than overnight is possible, it's best to keep it around 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty or mushy. If you plan to marinate longer, consider reducing the salt in the marinade slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).