Crispy Oven-Baked Paprika Chicken Cutlets
These Crispy Oven-Baked Paprika Chicken Cutlets are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken. Perfectly seasoned with sweet paprika and coated in crunchy saltine cracker crumbs, these tender chicken cutlets are broiled to golden perfection. The addition of fat-free yogurt keeps the chicken moist and helps the coating adhere, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. Ideal for anyone following a Weight Watchers plan, this dish makes a wonderful dinner option that the whole family will love. Serve with fresh parsley and zesty lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooking spray
2 (sprays)
plain fat-free yogurt
1/2 (cup)
paprika, sweet variety
1 (tablespoon, divided)
saltine crackers, crushed
15 (items)
table salt
1 (teaspoon)
black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 (teaspoon)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
16 (ounces, four 4 oz thin pieces)
fresh parsley, chopped
1 (tablespoon)
lemon
1/2 (medium, cut into 4 wedges)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven's broiler and lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a small shallow bowl, combine the plain fat-free yogurt with 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, mixing well until smooth.
3
In a separate large shallow dish, mix the crushed saltine crackers, table salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of paprika until evenly blended.
4
Take each piece of boneless skinless chicken breast and dip it into the yogurt mixture, ensuring each cutlet is fully coated.
5
Next, transfer the yogurt-coated chicken to the bowl with the cracker crumbs. Press gently to coat both sides of the chicken cutlets with the crumb mixture, making sure the crumbs adhere well.
6
Arrange the coated chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to promote browning.
7
Broil the chicken cutlets about 3 to 4 inches from the heat source, flipping them once midway through cooking. Broil for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
8
Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.
Nutrition Information
2.3g
Fat
10g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Oven-Baked Paprika Chicken Cutlets?
They are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken, seasoned with sweet paprika and coated in crunchy saltine cracker crumbs.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Use 16 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts, specifically four 4 oz thin pieces (cutlets).
How do I make the chicken crispy without frying?
The chicken is coated in crushed saltines and broiled 3 to 4 inches from the heat source to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Why is yogurt used in this chicken recipe?
Plain fat-free yogurt is used to keep the chicken moist and help the cracker crumb coating adhere to the meat.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, this dish is specifically noted as an ideal dinner option for anyone following a Weight Watchers plan.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 120 calories.
What kind of paprika is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for sweet variety paprika, which is divided between the yogurt mixture and the cracker coating.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken is broiled for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
What ingredients are needed for the coating?
The coating is made from 15 crushed saltine crackers, table salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sweet paprika.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should lightly coat the baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
How do I prepare the yogurt mixture?
Combine 1/2 cup of plain fat-free yogurt with 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika in a small shallow bowl and mix until smooth.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This recipe is low in fat, containing only 2.3g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the chicken cutlets?
There are 14g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I serve the paprika chicken?
Serve the chicken immediately sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges.
Can I substitute the saltine crackers?
While saltines provide the signature crunch, you could use panko or breadcrumbs, though the nutritional profile may change.
What setting should my oven be on?
You should use the broiler setting on your oven.
How far from the heat should the chicken be placed?
Arrange the chicken approximately 3 to 4 inches away from the broiler heat source.
Should I flip the chicken while cooking?
Yes, you should flip the chicken cutlets once midway through the broiling process.
How do I get the crumbs to stick to the chicken?
Press the yogurt-coated chicken gently into the bowl of cracker crumbs to ensure they adhere well to both sides.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
Yes, plain fat-free Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for plain fat-free yogurt.
How many saltine crackers do I need?
You will need 15 saltine crackers, crushed.
Is this recipe low fat?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-fat and healthy recipe.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of table salt mixed into the cracker crumbs.
What does the lemon add to the dish?
The lemon wedges provide a zesty burst of flavor when squeezed over the chicken just before eating.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including the cooking spray and garnishes.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include chicken, paprika, oven-fried, healthy, weight watchers, easy recipe, low fat, and quick meal.
Can I use a different type of paprika?
You can use smoked paprika if you prefer a smoky flavor, but the recipe traditionally uses sweet paprika.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The parsley should be freshly chopped and sprinkled over the chicken after it is removed from the oven.