Sometimes I crave breaded chicken, but since I'm gluten free that isn't an option. So I decided to make fake "breaded" chicken using quinoa instead of bread crumbs. This was my first time making it and I loved how it turned out. The quinoa was crunchy and we still made it a little unhealthy by adding in some cheese. It was one of those "healthy meals" you don't even know is healthy. The best part is my husband enjoyed it and has asked for me to make it again! So that must mean it's a "winner"!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups COOKED QUINOA (note the cooked part here)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 spoonful of minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup gluten-free flour
Directions:
- Preheat to 425 degrees. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray then place cooked quinoa (so plan ahead and cook the quinoa before) onto the baking sheet, spreading the grains into an even layer. Bake quinoa for 8–10 minutes, stirring twice, just to toast it slightly. Remove from oven and then break up any clumps that may have formed. Set aside to cool.
- Rinse chicken under cool water and pat dry with paper towels, then season on both sides with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, stir together the toasted quinoa, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, dried basil, and crushed red peppers.
- Using separate plates or bowls. Place gluten free flour (or regular flour) on one plate, in second plate or bowl use the beaten egg, and on the third plate use the quinoa, cheese, herb combination. Wipe the baking sheet clean and then re-coat with cooking spray. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour then dip in beaten egg. Allow as much egg to drain off of the chicken as possible and then encrust the chicken completely with quinoa mixture. Place the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet.
- Bake 18–22 minutes, or until chicken is done. Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Served the chicken with my favorite quinoa salad for that recipe click here!
Check out some more interesting facts on why quinoa is so freaking AWESOME by clicking here!
Cheers and Happy Monday,
Jess
Cheers and Happy Monday,
Jess