Penny'S Baked Chicken
Penny's Baked Chicken offers tender, flavorful chicken breasts coated in a creamy seasoned mixture, then baked to perfection with a crispy bread crumb crust. The lemon and garlic add a fresh zest, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings that crave comfort and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half to make smaller pieces.
- Mix sour cream, lemon juice, celery salt, paprika, minced garlic, salt, and white pepper in a bowl to create the marinade.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to marinate.
- Roll the marinated chicken in fine dry bread crumbs until coated.
- Arrange the coated chicken in a baking dish.
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of melted butter over the chicken breasts.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and drizzle an additional 1/2 cup of melted butter over the chicken.
- Bake for another 15 minutes to finish cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you want to add some spice, incorporate cayenne pepper into the marinade. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the bread crumbs for a crispy texture. If pressed for time, marinate for at least 2 hours instead of overnight, but longer is better for flavor absorption.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa to soak up any extra butter or marinade. For a comforting option, try it with Chicken And Vegetable Rice Soup for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked chicken can be stored 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 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but this may result in a softer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penny'S Baked Chicken contains roughly 570 calories, with 21g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2850mg per serving (124% 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?
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. They will add more flavor and remain moist during baking. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, typically around 50-55 minutes.
What can I use instead of celery salt?
If you don't have celery salt, you can make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt with 1/2 teaspoon of ground celery seeds. Alternatively, use regular salt and add a bit of chopped fresh celery or celery seed for a similar flavor.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before baking. Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and then follow the original cooking instructions.
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).