Crispy Baked Chicken with Giardiniera

By Olivia

A flavorful and crispy baked chicken dish, topped with mild or hot giardiniera, melted provolone cheese, and a crunchy crouton crust. This recipe is a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and cheesy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any dinner occasion.

Quick Benefits

This crispy baked chicken with giardiniera is a delicious meal that delivers a satisfying combination of protein and flavor. Packed with juicy chicken, a crunchy crust, and the zesty addition of giardiniera, it offers:

High protein content from the chicken.
A rich, savory taste thanks to the provolone cheese and giardiniera.
Quick preparation, with a total cooking time of just 35 minutes.
The versatility to adjust spice levels and flavors.

Essential Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which serve as the base of the dish.
Croutons: Butter and garlic croutons, pulsed into fine crumbs for coating the chicken.
Giardiniera: Mild or hot, depending on your preference, for that tangy, spicy kick.
Provolone Cheese: Slices of provolone cheese to melt perfectly on top.
Olive Oil: For frying the chicken, giving it that crispy golden brown texture.
Fresh Parsley: A garnish for a touch of color and fresh flavor.

Preparation Steps

Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Prepare Crust: Pulse the butter and garlic croutons in a food processor until finely crushed. Set up three shallow dishes with the crouton crumbs, flour, and beaten eggs.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the crushed croutons. Make sure the chicken is fully coated with the crouton crumbs.
Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken breast for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Add Toppings: Remove the chicken from the skillet. Top each piece with 2 tablespoons of giardiniera and a slice of provolone cheese.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Health Benefits

High in Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
Provolone Cheese: Adds calcium, supporting bone health.
Giardiniera: This tangy, pickled vegetable mix provides a good source of fiber and vitamins from the vegetables used.
Olive Oil: A healthy fat that offers anti-inflammatory benefits and helps improve heart health.

This dish provides a balanced meal with healthy fats, proteins, and essential micronutrients, while still being incredibly flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair this dish with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious giardiniera juices.
Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with the crispy chicken and tangy giardiniera.

Creative Variations

Spice it Up: Use hot giardiniera for an extra kick or add red pepper flakes to the crouton mixture.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or rosemary, mixed into the crouton coating for an aromatic twist.
Cheese Swap: Swap provolone for mozzarella, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Use eggplant or portobello mushrooms in place of the chicken for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to retain the crispy texture.
Giardiniera Storage: Keep leftover giardiniera in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It can be used as a topping for other dishes, like sandwiches or salads.

Pro Tips

Even Coating: Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking. This prevents parts from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Frying: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which ensures that each piece gets crispy.
Use an Oven-Proof Skillet: Using the same skillet for both frying and baking helps the dish retain its crispiness while finishing in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, though they may require slightly longer cooking time.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and coat it with croutons and flour the day before, then fry and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe contains flour and croutons, both of which contain gluten. However, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.

Can I make this dish spicier? Absolutely! Simply use hot giardiniera, add chili flakes to the crust, or incorporate some hot sauce into the giardiniera mixture.

Enjoy your crispy, juicy, and delicious baked chicken with giardiniera, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!