Mediterranean Crusted Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of the Mediterranean region, known for its healthy and vibrant cuisine. This dish combines the aromatic herbs, spices, and ingredients characteristic of Mediterranean cooking, resulting in a succulent chicken recipe that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a satisfying meal to enjoy with your family, this recipe is sure to impress.
The Mediterranean diet is celebrated for its health benefits, including heart health and longevity. It emphasizes whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. The Mediterranean Crusted Chicken recipe embraces these principles, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Plus, the crispy crust adds a satisfying texture that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips to create this delightful dish at home. We’ll also explore variations and substitutions to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
To create a delicious Mediterranean Crusted Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (approximately 1 pound)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat or gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your Mediterranean Crusted Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Flatten the chicken: Place each chicken breast or thigh between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Create the Mediterranean Crust
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Prepare the wet mixture: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Set up the dredging station: Place the flour in a third shallow dish. Arrange the flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb mixture in a line for easy coating.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dredge the chicken: Take each chicken piece and lightly coat it with flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in the egg mixture: Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Coat with breadcrumbs: Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Arrange the chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded. This helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Success
- How to get a good crust on chicken: For an extra-crispy crust, consider using panko breadcrumbs, which add more crunch than traditional breadcrumbs. Toasting the breadcrumbs lightly before coating the chicken can also enhance the texture.
- Cooking time: Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Even coating: Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even and consistent crust.
Variations and Substitutions
- Mediterranean Crusted Chicken Thighs: For a juicier and more flavorful option, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are more forgiving and remain tender when cooked.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Herb substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on four servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Mediterranean Crusted Chicken is a flavorful and healthy dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean region. With its crispy crust and tender chicken, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great addition to your meal rotation.
Give this Mediterranean Crusted Chicken recipe a try and experience the delightful blend of herbs and spices. Feel free to experiment with variations and share your own twist on this dish. We would love to hear about your culinary adventures!
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