Heart-Healthy Cheddar Chicken
Savor the indulgent flavor of 'Heart-Healthy Cheddar Chicken,' a wholesome and delicious twist on classic comfort food. This recipe combines tender, marinated boneless chicken breasts with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice and aromatic spices like garlic and oregano. Topped with a golden crust of sharp cheddar cheese and whole-wheat breadcrumbs, it's baked to perfection with reduced-sodium chicken broth for added moisture and richness. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or healthy family dinners. Garnished with vibrant parsley and best served alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad, this high-protein, low-sodium recipe offers a nutritious yet satisfying bite for health-conscious food lovers. Perfect for searches like "healthy baked chicken recipes" and "cheddar chicken dinner ideas," it’s the ultimate fusion of taste and nourishment!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken sit in the marinade at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the topping. In another bowl, combine the whole-wheat bread crumbs and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
After marinating, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Pour the reduced-sodium chicken broth around the chicken in the dish.
Evenly distribute the cheddar and breadcrumb mixture on top of each chicken breast, gently pressing to adhere.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before plating. Enjoy your heart-healthy cheddar chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
516 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.0 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.7 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 178 mg | 59% | |
| Sodium | 709 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.0 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 63.5 g | 127% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 245 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 552 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
