Chicken A La Maria Elena
Chicken A La Maria Elena offers a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated with yogurt and onion soup mix, then rolled in bread crumbs and baked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it combines savory and tangy flavors, appealing to both family and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the yogurt with the dry onion soup mix in a shallow dish.
- Coat each chicken breast with the yogurt mixture.
- Roll the coated chicken breasts in coarse bread crumbs to coat thoroughly.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
- Dot with butter before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. If you don't have dry onion soup mix on hand, you can substitute it with a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness for even cooking. If desired, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the bread crumbs for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken A La Maria Elena with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the yogurt sauce. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside a zesty lemon or herb vinaigrette. This dish complements American recipes featuring roasted potatoes or sautéed greens.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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, or until heated through. This helps maintain its crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken A La Maria Elena contains roughly 83 calories, with 7g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly. The skin will become crispy and add extra flavor, but you may want to adjust the amount of butter used to avoid excess greasiness.
What can I substitute for coarse bread crumbs?
If you don't have coarse bread crumbs, you can use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating. Alternatively, crushed crackers or even finely chopped nuts can work well, adding a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coated chicken breasts and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, they may need a few extra minutes in the oven as they'll be cold from the fridge.
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).