Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera – Flavorful and Easy Recipe
Welcome to our recipe for the ultimate Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera. This dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken cutlets, tangy giardiniera, and melted provolone cheese, all brought together in a crispy, savory crust. Inspired by a local winery’s restaurant favorite, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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The Best Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera Recipes
This recipe features perfectly tender and juicy chicken breasts, seasoned and coated with crushed croutons for that irresistible crunch. Topped with your choice of mild or hot giardiniera and finished with provolone cheese, every bite is a burst of flavor.
Notes on Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Ensure they are boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
- Giardiniera: Choose mild or hot depending on your spice preference.
- Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture.
- Croutons: Butter and garlic-flavored croutons add an extra layer of taste.
- Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken to a golden perfection.
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Coating: Pulse croutons in a food processor until finely crushed. Set up three shallow dishes with crouton crumbs, flour, and beaten eggs.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in eggs, then press into crouton crumbs.
- Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 2 minutes on each side.
- Add Toppings: Top each piece with 2 tablespoons of giardiniera and a slice of provolone cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera
Serve this crispy baked chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The tangy giardiniera pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
How to Store Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy texture.
FAQs About Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, mozzarella or Swiss cheese can be used as alternatives.
What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet?
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish before baking.
Can I use other types of meat?
This recipe works well with pork chops or turkey cutlets.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free croutons and flour for a gluten-free version.
The Best Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera Recipes
Ingredients
- 4 4 ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups butter and garlic croutons
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 tablespoons giardiniera
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Pound chicken breasts with a meat mallet to an even 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Pulse croutons in a food processor until finely crushed. Place crouton crumbs, flour, and beaten eggs into 3 separate shallow dishes.
- Dip each pounded chicken breast into flour, shaking off excess. Dip into eggs, letting any excess drip off, then press into crouton crumbs to coat.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken in hot oil for 2 minutes. Flip and fry for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat. Top each breast with 2 tablespoons giardiniera and 1 cheese slice.
- Cook in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 8 to 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Top with parsley to serve.
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera, a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation!
