Low-Fat Baked Chicken
Juicy and flavorful baked chicken breasts coated with a crispy Parmesan and cornflake crust, with a hint of red pepper for a subtle kick. This healthy, low-fat dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, appealing to those seeking comfort food with a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Dip each chicken breast in beaten egg, then coat with cornflake crumbs.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a Pyrex dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Mix Parmesan cheese and ground red pepper, then sprinkle over the top of each chicken breast.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes without turning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding some finely chopped nuts or seeds to the cornflake crumbs. If you're looking for a cheese alternative, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the fat. For added spice, experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or paprika to suit your taste. This recipe is versatile and can also be adapted for pork or fish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light quinoa or brown rice dish for added fiber. For a complete dinner, consider following it with a light dessert, perhaps a fruit salad or yogurt parfait. This makes a fantastic centerpiece for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring it remains juicy. For a quicker option, you can microwave it, but be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Baked Chicken contains roughly 208 calories, with 14g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (142% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium.
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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
While skin-on chicken breasts can be used, they will increase the fat content of the dish. Keeping the skin off allows the flavors to shine without added grease. If you prefer skin-on for flavor, you may want to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting the cornflake crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness while accommodating dietary restrictions.
What can I do if I don't have Parmesan cheese?
If Parmesan is unavailable, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as a substitute for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste without dairy, making it a great option for vegan cooking.
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).