Sue'S Spicy Baked Chicken
Spicy baked chicken topped with a flavorful spinach and cheese paste, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a satisfying, crispy finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare chicken parts for baking.
- In a food processor, puree the defrosted and squeezed dry spinach, Feta or Mozzarella cheese, butter, and chopped jalapeo until it forms a smooth paste.
- Spread the seasoned bread crumbs in a shallow dish.
- Brush the chicken parts with Dijon mustard, then coat with seasoned bread crumbs.
- Place the coated chicken in a baking dish and top with the spinach and cheese paste.
- Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of Feta or Mozzarella. If you don't have seasoned bread crumbs, you can easily make your own by mixing plain bread crumbs with Italian herbs. To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in Dijon mustard for an hour before coating it.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables. Consider serving it alongside a light Apple Butternut Squash Soup for a balanced meal. A crusty bread would also complement the flavors well, allowing you to soak up the delicious spinach and cheese topping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the bread crumbs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sue'S Spicy Baked Chicken contains roughly 314 calories, with 11g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% 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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it in a little butter until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture before pureeing. This will give a fresh flavor to your dish.
What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?
Besides Feta or Mozzarella, you can try using goat cheese for a tangy flavor, or cheddar for a sharper taste. Each will give a unique twist to the dish while still complementing the spices.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink, when pierced.
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).