Baked chicken

Oven-baked chicken schnitzel: a simple yet flavorful delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Oven-baked chicken schnitzel is a recipe that combines simple yet tasty ingredients to create a juicy and aromatic dish. This recipe is perfect for a quick family dinner or to impress guests at a festive meal. Surely, the chicken schnitzel will become a favorite recipe in your kitchen!

Ingredients

- 300 grams of chicken breast
- 3 large onions
- 200 grams of Dutch cheese
- 100 grams of mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.5 lemon
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Black pepper or chicken spices

Preparing the chicken schnitzel

1. Preparing the onions: Start by peeling the 3 onions. Cut them into cubes or smaller rings, as preferred. Place the onions in a bowl and pour the juice from half a lemon. Mix well to combine the flavors and let the onions marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step will not only enhance the taste of the onions but also make them juicier during baking.

2. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C. This will ensure even baking and perfect browning of the chicken schnitzel.

3. Preparing the chicken breast: Cut the chicken breast into thin fillets. If you have thicker fillets, use a meat mallet to gently pound them. Place the chicken between two sheets of parchment paper and carefully pound it to avoid tearing. Once you have thin fillets, season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Arrange them on a greased baking tray.

4. Adding the marinated onions: Evenly distribute the marinated onions over the chicken fillets. You can also add basil or lovage if you prefer stronger flavors. If desired, you can slice the red bell pepper into rings and place it over the onions for added color and taste.

5. Preparing with mayonnaise and cheese: Use a spoon to spread the mayonnaise (preferably at room temperature) over the onions. Then, add the grated cheese on top. Dutch cheese melts beautifully and gives a special flavor to the dish.

6. Baking in the oven: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the chicken schnitzel for 15-20 minutes. After 5 minutes, reduce the temperature to 160°C to allow the dish to cook evenly and not dry out. Check constantly to ensure it does not brown too much.

Serving the chicken schnitzel

The chicken schnitzel can be served hot or cold. Although it may seem simple, its taste is truly remarkable. The onions, after being baked, become juicy and lose their intense flavor, bringing a perfect balance with the chicken breast and cheese. You can pair it with a fresh salad or grilled vegetable sides for a healthy lunch.

Practical tips and variations

- Homemade mayonnaise: If you want to make your own mayonnaise, mix egg yolks, mustard, oil, and lemon juice until you achieve a creamy texture. This will add a personalized touch to your dish.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken breast with slices of eggplant or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spices: You can experiment with various spices, such as smoked paprika or herbs de Provence, to add a distinctive note to your schnitzel.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe contains approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of mayonnaise and cheese used. It is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and contains vitamins and minerals from the onions and bell pepper. Onions have antioxidant properties, and cheese provides calcium and protein, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious meal.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace chicken breast with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even fish, but the baking time will vary.

- Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken schnitzel a few hours ahead and reheat it in the oven before serving.

- How can I store leftovers?
The chicken schnitzel keeps well in the refrigerator, sealed tightly, for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Oven-baked chicken schnitzel is a versatile, easy-to-make, and delicious dish, perfect for any occasion. I hope you try this recipe and that it becomes one of your favorites! Enjoy!