Italian Baked Chicken(Lo-Cal)
A flavorful and healthy Italian-inspired baked chicken dish featuring mushrooms, tomato sauce, and herbs, perfect for a light dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch Pyrex dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread drained mushrooms over the chicken breasts.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, oregano, basil, minced onion, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the herb mixture and tomato sauce over the chicken and mushrooms.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the herb mixture for at least an hour before baking. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried versions work just as well. You can substitute the mushrooms with spinach or bell peppers for a different taste. This dish is great for meal prep and can be paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Baked Chicken with a side of whole grain pasta or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Italian salad or garlic bread. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Chicken And Fettuccine for a delicious family dinner. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave on medium power, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Baked Chicken(Lo-Cal) contains roughly 511 calories, with 22g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (259% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1811mg per serving (79% 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 bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but adjust the cooking time to ensure it's cooked through, which may take an additional 10-15 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. You may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, and consider blending it for a smoother consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).