Yogurt Chicken
Yogurt Chicken offers a flavorful, tender dish with a crispy coating infused with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. Baked to perfection with a buttery finish and sesame seeds, this recipe is perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special occasion, combining creamy, savory, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
- 1 c. fine, dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) carton plain yogurt ⓘ
- 8 chicken breast halves, skinned ⓘ
- 1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sesame seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced onion, garlic powder, seasoned salt, oregano, thyme, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Brush yogurt on all sides of each chicken breast half.
- Coat the yogurt-brushed chicken with the bread crumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a lightly greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan.
- Drizzle melted butter over the chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before breading. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a thicker coating. If you don't have breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or panko work well too. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding cayenne for heat or fresh herbs for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this yogurt chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Potatoes In Cream Sauce for a comforting dinner. For a complete spread, consider adding a light pasta dish like Easy Chicken And Noodles to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover yogurt chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, ensuring it doesn't dry out. You can also use the microwave but be cautious to not overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yogurt Chicken contains roughly 1148 calories, with 9g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, chicken thighs can be used in this recipe for a juicier result. Just ensure they are cooked through, as they may take a bit longer than chicken breasts. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking with a meat thermometer for doneness.
What can I use if I don't have Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will provide a similar flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the breading.
Can I freeze the yogurt chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked yogurt chicken. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven for the best texture.
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).