Lo-Cal Breaded Chicken
A flavorful, low-calorie breaded chicken dish featuring ranch dressing and herbs, perfect for a healthy family dinner or a quick, tasty meal option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the chicken breasts.
- Mix bread crumbs with onion powder, parsley flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour half a bottle of ranch dressing onto a plate.
- Dip each chicken breast into the dressing, then coat with the bread crumb mixture, turning to coat both sides.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a shallow baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake at 350-400°F for approximately 1.5 hours.
- Uncover the chicken during the last 15 minutes to brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider using panko bread crumbs instead of regular ones. You can also substitute the lo-cal Ranch dressing with a homemade yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option. If you prefer, add grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb mixture for added flavor. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides, similar to Chicken And Potato Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Lo-Cal Breaded Chicken pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Chicken And Mashed Potatoes or Lemon Chicken And Rice. Drizzle some extra Ranch dressing on top for added flavor, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover breaded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it heats through without drying out. You can also microwave it, but this may affect the crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Breaded Chicken contains roughly 347 calories, with 19g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 731mg per serving (32% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute traditional bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that your Ranch dressing is also gluten-free. This adaptation allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the recipe without compromising on taste.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! If you prefer grilling, coat the chicken breasts as instructed and then grill them over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the seasoning.
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).