Jody'S Italian Chicken
Juicy chicken breast pieces coated in bread crumbs, baked with lemon, Parmesan, mushrooms, and flavorful broth—perfect for a comforting Italian-inspired meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bone chicken breasts and cut the meat into 1 or 2 inch pieces. Soak chicken pieces in beaten eggs and milk for one hour.
- While the chicken is soaking, boil the bones to make chicken broth.
- Remove chicken pieces from the egg mixture and roll them in bread crumbs.
- Brown the breaded chicken pieces in margarine.
- Place the browned chicken pieces in a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle lemon juice and Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
- Cover with mushrooms and pour chicken broth over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or longer.
- Baste with the cooking stock during baking and add more lemon juice or cheese to taste.
- Serve hot with rice and tossed salad. Can be frozen for later.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and Italian seasoning overnight. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil can be great substitutes. To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat bread crumbs or even crushed whole grain crackers. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli for a nutritious balance, like in Chicken, Broccoli And Fusilli In Garlic Cream Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple tossed salad and fluffy rice. For an Italian twist, serve alongside Garlic Linguini or a light pasta salad. You can also elevate the meal by adding a glass of white wine, complementing the lemony flavors beautifully. Explore more Italian recipes for a full meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jody'S Italian Chicken contains roughly 649 calories, with 13g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 798mg per serving (35% 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 chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure the chicken broth is also labeled gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and layer it in the casserole dish a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This can enhance the flavors as the ingredients meld together overnight.
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).