Bev'S Chicken Italiano
Bev's Chicken Italiano features tender chicken breasts coated with seasoned bread crumbs, topped with tomato sauce, onions, green peppers, and melted mozzarella cheese, offering a flavorful Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt margarine in a baking dish.
- Wash chicken breasts and dip them in beaten eggs until well coated.
- Mix bread crumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish with melted margarine.
- Pour Italian tomato sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle diced onions and green peppers over the sauce and chicken.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with mozzarella cheese slices.
- Continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, substitute margarine with olive oil and use whole wheat bread crumbs. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. This dish can also be customized by using different types of cheese, like provolone or parmesan, for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Italiano alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed mixed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Pasta With Lemon Cream And Prosciutto for a complete Italian feast. For a heartier option, consider serving it with garlic bread or over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's tightly wrapped before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bev'S Chicken Italiano contains roughly 430 calories, with 7g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 488mg per serving (21% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to fully thaw them before proceeding with the recipe. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming rubbery. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
What can I substitute for Italian bread crumbs?
If you don't have Italian bread crumbs on hand, you can easily make your own by blending plain bread crumbs with Italian herbs and spices like oregano, basil, and thyme. Alternatively, crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs can also work well, providing a different texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and layering ingredients in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
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).