Crispy Southwestern Herb Baked Chicken
This Crispy Southwestern Herb Baked Chicken is a delightful blend of zesty spices and crunchy texture that has been a family favorite for over a decade. Infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of spices, this dish captures the essence of southwestern flavors. The chicken is marinated to perfection, allowing the spices to penetrate while providing a juicy, flavorful experience. Coated in a crispy cornmeal flour mixture and baked until golden, it's no wonder the boys always request this delectable dish. Paired with fresh vegetables or a hearty salad, it promises a satisfying meal that's easy to prepare.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breast
1 lb (Boneless and skinless, cut into even pieces.)
Fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (Juiced from fresh lemons.)
Garlic clove
1 clove (Minced.)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (Ground.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste.)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Ground.)
Pepper
To taste (Freshly ground.)
Flour
3 tablespoons (All-purpose.)
Cornmeal
1/4 cup (Fine ground.)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (Sweet or smoked, based on preference.)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Cut into small pieces.)
Instructions
1
In a large ziplock bag, combine the lemon juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, and a dash of pepper. Shake well to combine the marinade ingredients.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the bag, seal it, and turn to coat the chicken completely with the marinade. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour; for optimal flavor, marinate overnight.
3
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish that is large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer.
4
On a sheet of wax paper, mix together flour, cornmeal, and paprika until well combined.
5
Remove the marinated chicken from the bag and gently pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. Roll each piece in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
6
Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, and scatter small pieces of butter over the top.
7
Bake the chicken for 30-40 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is golden brown. Enjoy your crispy southwestern chicken!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Southwestern Herb Baked Chicken?
It is a flavorful dish featuring chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon and spice blend, then coated in a cornmeal and flour mixture and baked until crispy and golden.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless and skinless chicken breasts cut into even pieces for uniform cooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least one hour, but for the best flavor, it is recommended to marinate it overnight.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, and pepper.
How do I prepare the coating?
On a sheet of wax paper, mix together 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of fine ground cornmeal, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
Why should I pat the chicken dry before coating?
Patting the chicken dry with paper towels removes excess marinade, which helps the cornmeal mixture adhere better and results in a crispier texture.
How long does it take to bake?
The chicken typically takes 30-40 minutes to bake until the juices run clear.
What purpose does the butter serve in this recipe?
Small pieces of butter are scattered over the top of the coated chicken to help it brown and achieve a delicious, crispy crust.
Can I use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika?
Yes, you can use either sweet or smoked paprika based on your personal flavor preference.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
While it contains southwestern spices like chili powder and cumin, it is generally flavorful rather than overly hot; you can adjust the pepper to control the heat.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when the internal juices run clear and the exterior is golden brown, usually after 30-40 minutes of baking.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be substituted for lemon juice to maintain the zesty southwestern profile.
What should I serve with this chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, a hearty salad, or other southwestern-inspired side dishes.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease a shallow baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, you can use thighs, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is the cornmeal necessary?
The cornmeal is essential for providing the signature crunchy, southwestern-style texture that defines this dish.
Can I prepare the coating in advance?
Yes, you can mix the flour, cornmeal, and paprika ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
How do I arrange the chicken in the pan?
Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
What type of garlic should I use?
The recipe recommends using fresh garlic cloves, minced for the best flavor infusion.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can attempt a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How much chicken does this recipe use?
This specific recipe is scaled for 1 lb of chicken breast.
Why is a ziplock bag used for the marinade?
A ziplock bag allows you to easily shake the ingredients together and ensures the chicken is fully coated while taking up less space in the refrigerator.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite for over a decade and a dish that kids often request.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
While fresh is preferred, you can use garlic powder if fresh cloves are unavailable.
What type of cumin should be used?
The recipe calls for ground cumin to integrate smoothly into the marinade.
Is the salt amount adjustable?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt but notes it can be adjusted to taste.
How do I know the marinade is well-combined?
Shake the ziplock bag well until the lemon juice, garlic, and spices are evenly distributed before adding the chicken.
Can I bake it at a higher temperature?
The recipe recommends 375F to balance cooking the meat through while crisping the coating without burning it.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is designed to be a simple, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare for weeknight dinners.