If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dinner that combines classic elegance with homey comfort, look no further than Baked Chicken Oscar Dinner: Yep, the Whole Shebang. This recipe puts a delightful twist on a traditional favorite, offering a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for special occasions or a satisfying weeknight dinner. In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of Chicken Oscar, provide you with a detailed recipe, and share tips for making this dish a success every time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Baked Chicken Oscar Dinner: Yep, the Whole Shebang:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 cup asparagus tips (trimmed)
- 1 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1 cup hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade; see tips for recipe)
- 1 lemon (for garnish, cut into wedges)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Assembling and Baking
- Prepare the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the asparagus tips for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Top each breast with a portion of crab meat. Spoon hollandaise sauce over the crab meat, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Final Touches
- Garnish: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
- Serve: Plate the chicken with a side of the sautéed asparagus. Serve with additional hollandaise sauce if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Homemade Hollandaise Sauce: For an extra touch of elegance, make your own hollandaise sauce. Blend egg yolks with lemon juice, then slowly whisk in melted butter until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Crab Meat: If fresh crab is unavailable, you can use imitation crab or even cooked shrimp as a substitute.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms, to the dish for added flavor and texture.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and bread it a day in advance. Simply refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Baked Chicken Oscar Dinner contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fat: 22 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Baked Chicken Oscar Dinner: Yep, the Whole Shebang is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will impress anyone at your table. With its crispy chicken, savory crab, and rich hollandaise sauce, this dish makes for a memorable meal that’s both elegant and comforting. Try making this recipe for your next special dinner and experience the delicious results for yourself. Don’t forget to share your results and feedback in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more fantastic recipes from easycrispyrecipes.com.