Heavenly Chicken Recipe: The Savory Comfort Food

Although we all enjoy the delicious taste of fried crispy chicken, it may not be the most nutritious choice. But what if there is an alternative that is just as mouth-watering but prepared in the oven instead?

This Heavenly chicken copycat recipe is healthier and much lower in calories than the one made in the pan because you don't fry it in oil.

Delicious thin chicken strips are coated in a seasoned mixture of crushed crackers, dipped in creamy sour cream, and baked to crispy perfection. The result is an irresistibly tasty dish that will have you licking your fingers! Try it yourself, and discover how easy it is to give the chicken a beautiful, golden, and crispy crust with only a few ingredients.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Pairings
• Equipment
• Storage and Reheating
• Pro Tips
• Heavenly Chicken Recipe
• Comments

Ingredients

• Salted crackers — 1 cup
• Garlic powder — 1 tsp.
• Onion powder — 1 tsp.
• Freshly ground black pepper — ¼ tsp.
• Sour cream — 1 cup
• Chicken breast — 2 lb.
• Butter — 1 oz.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Put the crackers and spices in a food processor and grind them.

3. Transfer the crackers mixture to a mixing bowl.

4. Use a meat pounder to pound the chicken breast. Then, cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise, to obtain pieces of approximately half-inch thickness.

5. Add the sour cream to another mixing bowl.

6. Dip the chicken in the sour cream and then in the crackers mixture.

7. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Use a knife to cut the butter into equal small cubes.

9. Top each chicken piece with butter.

10. Bake for about 40-45 minutes.

11. Serve with ketchup, pesto, or garlic mayonnaise for dipping.

Substitutions

• Salted crackers — Crackers play an essential role in the flavor and texture of the dish. Their savory flavor enhances the chicken's overall profile and serves as a binding element. Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can be used as replacement options. Be sure to modify the seasoning as necessary (a sprinkle of salt may be needed).

• Chicken breast — Skinless chicken breast makes the perfect choice for this recipe due to its firm texture and mild flavor. If you're looking for a substitution for chicken breast, you could try using boneless and skinless chicken tenders for a similar result. For a higher-fat option, you can opt for chicken thighs.

• Sour cream — Sour cream is used in this chicken copycat recipe as a creamy and tangy element that complements the other flavors. It will also tenderize the meat and add a mild and tangy touch. An equivalent to sour cream, buttermilk has a tangy flavor and can provide a slight sourness to the dish.

• Butter — The savory taste of butter enhances the flavor of chicken and also aids in retaining moisture while cooking. A perfect replacement for butter is ghee, which is lactose-free and has a rich buttery flavor.

Variations

• Add color — After baking the chicken, you can sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or dill. This enhances the dish's appearance with a burst of color and adds a delightfully fresh flavor.

• Add flavor — For an added burst of flavor, you can sprinkle a dash of paprika or turmeric when preparing the crackers mixture.

• Add spiciness — Add some heat to the chicken by adding a sprinkle of chili powder or red chili flakes to the crackers mixture.

• Gluten-free — If you are gluten intolerant, turn the recipe gluten-free by choosing gluten-free crackers.

• Dairy-free — You can quickly get a dairy-free dish by swapping the sour cream for a vegan sour cream and replacing the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Pairings

• A light and refreshing side salad is an excellent choice to balance out the delicious and savory taste of the baked chicken. Go for a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber, topped with a vinaigrette dressing for a simple yet flavorful combination.

• Transform your heavenly baked chicken into a mouthwatering sandwich by slicing it up and layering it between two toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and your preferred condiments, such as mayo or mustard.

Equipment

• Measuring spoons

• Oven

• Food processor

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Knife

• Meat pounder

• Cutting board

• 2 mixing bowls

Storage and Reheating

• Allow the baked chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing. This will prevent the chicken from developing moisture inside the storage container.

• After it has cooled down, store it in a glass or plastic container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

• To avoid any potential foodborne illness from bacteria growth during storage, reheat the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Pro Tips

• When preparing chicken, it's crucial to be cautious with the utensils and dishes that come into contact with the raw meat. To prevent the spread of meat particles, it is advisable to cover the chicken with a plastic bag before using a meat pounder to tenderize it.

• If you want to fry the chicken instead of baking it, heat a pan on medium heat, add a generous amount of cooking oil, and fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, until it is browned, and has a crispy crust.

• To prepare the chicken in the air-fryer, spray the coated pieces with cooking oil and cook for 15-20 minutes at 375°F.