Italian Chicken
Italian Chicken offers a flavorful combination of Parmesan cheese, herbs, and tender chicken breasts, baked to perfection. Its savory, cheesy crust makes it a crowd-pleaser suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests, pairing well with pasta, vegetables, or a simple salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, oregano, parsley, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in melted butter, then coat with the Parmesan mixture.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased 9-inch square baking dish.
- Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing for a few hours before coating it. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; try using fresh oregano instead of dried. You can also experiment with different seasonings like Italian seasoning or even some crushed red pepper for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Chicken alongside a fresh salad or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Pesto Chicken Linguine for a more substantial dinner. For a lighter option, consider a side of Chicken Vegetable Pasta Salad. Drizzling some balsamic glaze over the top can add a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Italian 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 for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the chicken's moisture and keeps it tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chicken contains roughly 996 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will increase. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked. You may need to bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. While fresh herbs offer the best flavor, dried herbs can work in a pinch. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and coat it with the Parmesan mixture a few hours in advance. Cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the dish when cooked.
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).