Looking for a delicious, simple, and wholesome weeknight dinner? Look no further. This recipe pairs the savory crunch of a parmesan-crusted chicken with the fresh peppery kick of an arugula salad. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also provides a good serving of protein and greens.
Most ingredients for this recipe are common kitchen staples like chicken breast, dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. However, you might need to pick up a few items. Freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh thyme are key to the parmesan crust, and they add a depth of flavor that pre-packaged versions sometimes lack. Arugula, a slightly peppery green, is the base for our salad, and cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness.
Ingredients for Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Arugula Salad
Dijon mustard: This potent French mustard adds a sharp and sophisticated flavor to the chicken's crust and the salad's dressing.
Olive oil: Used for its rich and fruity flavor, it also helps to form the crispy crust on the chicken and dresses the salad.
Thyme: This herb brings a subtle earthy flavor to the chicken.
Chicken breast: The star of our dish. Choose a good quality chicken breast for a tender and juicy result.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. They enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Parmesan cheese: Gives the chicken crust its signature flavor and crunch.
Arugula: A peppery green that adds a fresh and spicy contrast to the savory chicken.
Cherry tomatoes: They add a sweet and tart note to the salad, balancing the peppery arugula and sharp mustard.
One reader, Alina Lind says:
This parmesan-crusted chicken with arugula salad recipe is a game-changer! The chicken was perfectly juicy with a crispy, flavorful crust. The arugula salad was a refreshing complement, and the flavors blended beautifully. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy meal.
Mastering the Techniques Behind Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Arugula Salad
Preheat the oven to 475°F: This step is essential to ensure that the oven reaches the correct temperature for baking the chicken.
Combine mustard, olive oil, and thyme: This mixture provides flavor and moisture to the chicken breasts, enhancing their taste and tenderness.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper: Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before brushing on the mustard mixture ensures that the flavors are well-distributed.
Pat parmesan on the chicken breasts: Coating the chicken breasts with parmesan creates a delicious crust when baked.
Bake the chicken on the top shelf of the oven: Placing the chicken on the top shelf ensures even cooking and browning.
Prepare the arugula salad: Toss the arugula and tomatoes with the mustard, olive oil, and water mixture, then season with salt and pepper.
Serve the dish: Plate the arugula salad, top with the parmesan-crusted chicken, and serve immediately.
How To Make Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Arugula Salad
Parmesan-crusted chicken is baked, not fried, so there’s less oil. It’s served with a side of arugula salad tossed in a mustard dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspdijon mustard
- 1tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ½tspthyme,chopped
- 24ozchicken breast,skinless, boneless
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- ½cupfreshly parmesan cheese,(1½ oz), grated
- 4cuparugula leaves,(packed)
- 1cupcherry tomatoes
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of the mustard with 2 teaspoons of the olive oil and the thyme
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brush them all over with the mustard mixture.
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Pat 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan all over each breast.
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Transfer the chicken breasts to a rimmed baking sheet.
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Bake the chicken on the top shelf of the oven for about 15 minutes, or until just cooked through and nicely browned.
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Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the remaining 1 teaspoon each of mustard and olive oil; stir in ½ teaspoon of water.
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Add the arugula and tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and toss well.
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Spoon the salad onto plates, top with the chicken and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 412.53kcal
- Fat: 24.29g
- Saturated Fat: 8.09g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.47g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.93g
- Carbohydrates: 3.78g
- Fiber: 1.21g
- Sugar: 1.75g
- Protein: 43.24g
- Cholesterol: 121.50mg
- Sodium: 605.97mg
- Calcium: 281.63mg
- Potassium: 585.76mg
- Iron: 2.00mg
- Vitamin A: 122.12µg
- Vitamin C: 9.17mg
Elevate Your Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Game with This Simple Technique
When applying the parmesan crust to the chicken breasts, press the cheese firmly onto the mustard-coated chicken to ensure it adheres well. This will result in a more robust and flavorful crust after baking. Additionally, for an even more flavorful salad, let the arugula and cherry tomatoes marinate in the mustard and olive oil dressing for a few minutes before serving. This allows the greens and tomatoes to absorb the dressing, enhancing their taste.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Flavorful Chicken and Salad Combo
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also wash and dry the arugula and store it in an airtight container to save time on the day of cooking.
Multitask: While the chicken is baking, use that time to prepare the arugula salad. This way, you can have the entire meal ready to serve at the same time.
Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients and kitchen tools you need. This will help you work more efficiently and save time during the cooking process.
Use kitchen shears: Instead of using a knife to cut the chicken breasts, use kitchen shears to quickly and easily trim and cut the chicken to the desired size.
Invest in a good grater: Using a high-quality grater for the parmesan cheese will make the grating process faster and more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Arugula Salad Recipe
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and texture, which can work as a great substitute for dijon mustard in this recipe.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary has a similar earthy and aromatic flavor, which can be used as a substitute for thyme in this recipe.
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast in this recipe.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a suitable substitute for parmesan cheese in this recipe.
arugula leaves - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be used as a substitute for arugula leaves, providing a similar tender texture and mild peppery flavor.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute for cherry tomatoes, offering a similar sweet and juicy flavor.
Elevate Your Presentation of Parmesan-Crusted Chicken and Arugula Salad
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the parmesan-crusted chicken in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each piece is positioned with precision and care.
- Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate the arugula salad and cherry tomatoes to add a pop of color to the plate, creating an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out and capture attention.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a touch of elegance and elevate the overall visual appeal.
- Focus on symmetry: Arrange the components of the dish in a symmetrical and balanced manner, showcasing attention to detail and precision in plating.
- Consider plate shape and size: Select a plate that complements the dish, ensuring that it enhances the overall presentation without overwhelming the food.
- Highlight the textures: Showcase the crispy parmesan crust of the chicken and the vibrant, fresh greens of the arugula salad to create a visually dynamic and enticing plate.
- Emphasize the main element: Place the parmesan-crusted chicken as the focal point of the dish, drawing attention to its golden crust and succulent appearance.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting This Delightful Dish
- Oven: Used for baking and roasting the parmesan-crusted chicken.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing the dijon mustard, olive oil, and thyme for the chicken marinade.
- Rimmed baking sheet: Used for baking the chicken breasts in the oven.
- Medium bowl: Used for tossing the arugula and cherry tomatoes for the salad.
- Brush: Used for applying the mustard mixture to the chicken breasts.
- Spoon: Used for serving the arugula salad onto plates.
Preserving the Flavors: Storing and Freezing Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for parmesan-crusted chicken with arugula salad:
- To store leftovers, place the chicken and salad in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- For the best texture, store the parmesan-crusted chicken in a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- To freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- It's not recommended to freeze the arugula salad, as the greens and tomatoes will become soggy and lose their texture upon thawing. It's best to prepare the salad fresh when ready to serve.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
To reheat leftover parmesan-crusted chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the parmesan crust is crispy once again. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it may become dry.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
For the arugula salad, it's best to store the dressing separately from the greens to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. When you're ready to serve, toss the arugula and cherry tomatoes with the reserved dressing. If the dressing has thickened in the refrigerator, you can whisk in a small amount of water or olive oil to thin it out.
If the arugula has wilted slightly, you can refresh it by placing it in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes. Drain the greens and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before tossing with the dressing.
To serve, plate the refreshed arugula salad and top it with the reheated parmesan-crusted chicken. If desired, you can grate some fresh parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken for added flavor and texture.
Discover an Intriguing Fact About Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Arugula Salad
Parmesan-crusted chicken is a delicious and healthy dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for those looking for a satisfying meal that is also nutritious.
Budgeting for Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: Is It Cost-Effective?
The parmesan-crusted chicken with arugula salad recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breast, parmesan cheese, and arugula, are reasonably priced and widely available. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, depending on the quality of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Chicken and Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The parmesan-crusted chicken with arugula salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich vegetables. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the olive oil and parmesan cheese contribute healthy fats. The arugula and cherry tomatoes add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese to lower the overall fat and calorie content
- Use a whole grain mustard instead of dijon mustard for added fiber and nutrients
- Opt for a low-sodium salt or seasoning blend to reduce the dish's sodium content
- Include additional vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the salad
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for added flavor and tenderness without relying on excessive fat or salt
- Serve the chicken and salad over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a boost of complex carbohydrates and fiber
- Drizzle the salad with a light, homemade vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs instead of the mustard-based dressing
- Incorporate additional nutrient-dense toppings, such as sliced almonds, fresh berries, or crumbled goat cheese, to add flavor, texture, and health benefits to the dish
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Recipe
The parmesan-crusted chicken with arugula salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The mustard and parmesan crust on the chicken adds a savory and crispy element, while the arugula salad provides a fresh and peppery contrast. The dish is well-balanced and visually appealing, making it a great option for a light and satisfying meal. The cooking method ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful, and the simple yet flavorful salad complements it perfectly. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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Why trust this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Arugula Salad Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience. The dijon mustard and extra virgin olive oil infuse the chicken with rich flavors, while the thyme adds a delightful aroma. The parmesan cheese creates a crispy, golden crust, enhancing the dish's texture and taste. The vibrant arugula leaves and juicy cherry tomatoes in the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. Trust in the quality of these ingredients to elevate your culinary journey.
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