Heart-Healthy Cheddar Chicken

Indulge in the rich, cheesy flavors of Heart-Healthy Cheddar Chicken—a wholesome twist on a comfort food classic! This easy, oven-baked recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts coated in a crispy whole-wheat breadcrumb and sharp cheddar topping, delivering a delicious crunch with every bite. Enhanced with heart-smart ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, reduced-sodium chicken broth, and fresh parsley, it’s a lighter yet satisfying option for your dinner table. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering balanced nutritional benefits without sacrificing flavor. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh side salad for an irresistibly healthy meal the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the topping. In another bowl, combine the whole-wheat bread crumbs and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Step 5

After marinating, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Pour the reduced-sodium chicken broth around the chicken in the dish.

Step 6

Evenly distribute the cheddar and breadcrumb mixture on top of each chicken breast, gently pressing to adhere.

Step 7

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

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

Serving size	1058.3 grams (1058.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2065

Total Fat 91.60g	117%
Saturated Fat 35.30g	177%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 712mg	237%
Sodium 3049mg	133%
Total Carbohydrate 52.00g	19%
Dietary Fiber 5.40g	19%
Total Sugars 4.90g
Protein 253.50g	507%

Vitamin D 31IU	155%
Calcium 969mg	75%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 2193mg	47%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.3%

Protein: 49.6%

Carbs: 10.2%