"Heart Smart" Baked Chicken
A wholesome baked chicken dish with a crispy oatmeal crust, seasoned with Parmesan and paprika, perfect for a family dinner or health-conscious meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a blender, combine oatmeal, Parmesan cheese, salt, paprika, and pepper. Cover and blend about 1 minute until thoroughly mixed.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into a shallow dish.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix garlic and milk.
- Roll chicken pieces in the oatmeal mixture, then dip in the milk mixture, and roll again in the oatmeal mixture.
- Place the coated chicken in a large shallow baking pan and drizzle with melted margarine.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a fork can be inserted easily into the chicken.
- Garnish with parsley and cherry tomatoes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of oatmeal, or swap the margarine for olive oil. If you want more flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the oatmeal mixture. Ensure the chicken is skinned well for a lighter dish. For a gluten-free option, check that the oatmeal is certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this 'Heart Smart' Baked Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Savory Dried Cranberry Sauce(To Be Served With Pork, Chicken Or Ham) for a touch of sweetness. You can also complement it with wild rice or a quinoa salad for added texture and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked chicken 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 microwave it on medium power, but the oven will help keep the skin crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Heart Smart" Baked Chicken contains roughly 264 calories, with 8g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 890mg per serving (39% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless pieces will cook faster, so check for doneness after about 30-40 minutes to avoid drying them out.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will provide a similar cheesy flavor and complement the oatmeal crust.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider incorporating cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the oatmeal mixture. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference for a more robust flavor.
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).