Marinated Baked Chicken Breasts
Juicy marinated chicken breasts baked to perfection with creamy, flavorful coating, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests with its savory taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sour cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire, celery salt, paprika, mashed garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade, coating well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove chicken from marinade. Roll each piece in Ritz and soda cracker crumbs, then arrange in a shallow pan.
- Melt margarine in a saucepan or microwave.
- Pour half of the melted margarine over the coated chicken breasts.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour.
- Spoon the remaining margarine over the chicken and bake for an additional 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. If you don't have Ritz or soda crackers, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs can be excellent substitutes. To make it lighter, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For a hint of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the marinated baked chicken breasts alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice, making for a comforting dinner. For a twist, try serving with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, similar to what's used in Ranch Chicken Wings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinated baked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain their moisture and ensures they are warm without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinated Baked Chicken Breasts contains roughly 314 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 858mg per serving (37% 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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer. The skin will add extra flavor and crispiness when baked, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you prefer, you can substitute margarine with unsalted butter or olive oil. Both options will work well to help the crumb coating adhere and add flavor to the chicken.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated chicken breasts before baking. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
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).