Claire'S Chicken
Claire's Chicken features tender, moist chicken coated in a savory mixture of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection—ideal for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dip the chicken in melted margarine to coat evenly.
- Mix equal amounts of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge the coated chicken in the bread crumb and cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or at 250°F (120°C) for 2 hours until cooked through and tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in the melted margarine for at least 30 minutes before coating. You can substitute olive oil for margarine if preferred. For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers instead of bread crumbs. Adding Italian herbs like oregano or thyme to the crumb mixture can enhance the flavor, making it reminiscent of other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Claire's Chicken alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Spinach Soup With Meatballs for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving it over a bed of pasta, such as Penne Primavera With Smoked Mozzarella.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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. You can also use a microwave, but this may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Claire'S Chicken contains roughly 241 calories, with 27g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. At about 241 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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, skin-on chicken can be used, but you may need to adjust cooking time as it may take longer to cook through. The skin will also add extra flavor and crispiness, so you might want to increase the baking time slightly.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, coat it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance the flavors as the chicken marinates in the margarine and seasonings.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is also a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy taste without the calories.
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).