Ah, the humble chicken—so versatile, yet often overlooked in the culinary world. But then, you haven’t truly experienced its glory until you’ve tasted this dish. Imagine a tender, juicy bite mingling with a velvety paprika sauce that captures the essence of Hungarian kitchens. I remember the first time I tried this; it was like discovering a hidden treasure, the kind that transports you straight into the heart of Budapest.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, placing them side by side. Season with ground black pepper, a pinch of garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and paprika to your personal preference.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it is no longer pink in the center and that the juices run clear. If the chicken begins to stick, add a small amount of water to the dish.
Ingredients
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
Nutritional Values
Calories: 804 | Total Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 408mg | Sodium: 462mg | Total Carbohydrate: 6g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 0g | Protein: 162g | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 6mg | Potassium: 1944mg
FAQ
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Bone-in pieces typically require a longer baking time.
- What can I add to make the Paprika Chicken spicier?
- To add some heat, consider incorporating chili powder or cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
- Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
- Greasing the baking dish helps prevent the chicken from sticking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use non-stick spray or line the dish with parchment paper.
- Can I prepare the seasoning mix in advance?
- Absolutely, you can mix the ground black pepper, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and paprika ahead of time. Store the blend in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear. For precise results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
Tips
- To prevent the chicken from drying out, consider adding a small amount of water to the dish if it starts sticking while baking.
- For a flavor boost, try marinating the chicken with the spices beforehand instead of just sprinkling them on top.
- Enhance the dish by incorporating fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix in some chili powder or dried chives with the paprika and other seasonings.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – If you don’t already have a large baking dish of this size, it’s an essential piece for this recipe.
