Baked Chicken Planks
Crispy baked chicken planks seasoned with herbs and Parmesan offer a flavorful, healthier alternative to fried chicken, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, dried basil, and dried thyme in a plastic bag; shake well.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch strips.
- Dip chicken strips in melted margarine, then shake in the bread crumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Place coated chicken strips in a Pyrex dish.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or paprika to the bread crumb mixture. If you don't have margarine, melted butter works well as a substitute. You can also use panko bread crumbs for a crunchier texture. To ensure even cooking, try to cut the chicken strips uniformly. For added moisture, marinate the chicken in a bit of lemon juice before coating.
Serving Suggestions
These baked chicken planks are delicious served with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, like Cajun Chicken Salad, for a complete meal. You can also serve them with dipping sauces such as ranch or honey mustard. For a heartier dish, pair with Zucchini Stuffed Casserole or over a bed of rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken Planks contains roughly 507 calories, with 26g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2672mg per serving (116% 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 different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a nice flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the melting properties will vary, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the fine dry bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the margarine, are certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken strips ahead of time. Coat them and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, and you can bake them straight from the fridge, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).