If you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal option, look no further than garlic margherita chicken! This flavorful dish packs a punch with juicy chicken, fresh tomato sauce, and plenty of garlic. Best of all, it's only 362 calories per serving, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
In addition to being low-calorie, garlic margherita chicken is also a great source of protein, with 33 grams per serving. It's also packed with vitamin C thanks to the tomatoes in the sauce. The garlic in the dish provides a wide range of health benefits, from boosting the immune system to reducing the risk of heart disease.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about this tasty meal, from its ingredients and nutrition facts to its cooking method and possible allergens.
Calories and Nutrition Facts of Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal
A typical serving of garlic margherita chicken contains 362 calories. It also has 33 grams of protein and 13 grams of carbohydrates. Here are the complete nutrition facts for this dish:
- Calories: 362
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 635mg
As you can see, garlic margherita chicken is a great source of protein and is relatively low in calories. However, it is somewhat high in fat and sodium, so it's important to be mindful of your intake of those nutrients.
Ingredients used in Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal
Garlic margherita chicken requires a handful of ingredients to come together, but the end result is well worth it. Here's what you'll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Most of these ingredients are readily available at any grocery store. The key is to use fresh garlic and basil to really enhance the flavor of the dish.
Cooking Method of Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal
Cooking garlic margherita chicken is fairly simple, but it does require a bit of technique to get it just right. Here's how to prepare it:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and coat them in flour.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Pour chicken broth and tomato sauce into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh basil and enjoy!
The key to this recipe is to make sure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Baking it in the oven after browning it on the stove helps to achieve this balance.
The Toppings on Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal
The toppings on garlic margherita chicken are what make it truly stand out as a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here's what you can expect to find on top of your chicken:
- Tomato sauce: This is the base of the dish, providing a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Mozzarella cheese: The cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish, as well as a gooey, melty layer on top.
- Fresh basil: The basil provides a fresh and aromatic flavor, as well as a pop of color on the plate.
The combination of these toppings creates a delicious and well-balanced meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal Serving Size
A typical serving of garlic margherita chicken is 4 ounces, or one chicken breast. However, you can adjust the serving size to suit your needs.
Health Benefits of Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal
Garlic margherita chicken is packed with health benefits thanks to its nutritious ingredients. Here are a few of the ways this dish can boost your health:
- Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles.
- Vitamin C: Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and protect against disease.
- Garlic: Garlic has been shown to have a range of health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and lowering blood pressure.
By incorporating garlic margherita chicken into your diet, you can enjoy a delicious meal that also promotes your overall health and wellbeing.
Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal - a Low-Carb Option?
Garlic margherita chicken is a great option for those following a low-carb diet. With only 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is a filling and satisfying meal that won't spike your blood sugar. However, keep in mind that the dish does contain some fat, so it's important to balance it with other low-fat foods if you're watching your overall calorie intake.
Possible Allergens in Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal
Garlic margherita chicken contains several potential allergens, so it's important to be mindful of these if you or someone you're cooking for has allergies. Here are the ingredients to watch out for:
- Wheat flour: This is used to coat the chicken and may contain gluten, which can trigger a reaction in those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Mozzarella cheese: This dairy product can cause a reaction in those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
If you're cooking for someone with allergies, be sure to check with them about their specific needs and make any necessary substitutions or omissions.
How Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal Meets Dietary Restrictions
Garlic margherita chicken is a versatile meal that can be adapted to meet a range of dietary restrictions. Here are some common restrictions and how the dish can be modified to fit them:
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour or bread crumbs to coat the chicken breasts.
- Low-fat: Use a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken tenders, and reduce the amount of cheese used.
- Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Vegetarian: Use a meat substitute, such as tofu or tempeh, in place of the chicken.
By making a few simple tweaks to the recipe, you can enjoy garlic margherita chicken no matter what dietary restrictions you may have.
Taste and Flavor Profile of Garlic Margherita Chicken Meal
Garlic margherita chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds. Here's what you can expect in terms of taste and texture:
- Savory: The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper and coated in flour, giving it a savory flavor that balances out the sweetness of the tomato sauce.
- Tangy: The tomato sauce provides a tangy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Cheesy: The mozzarella cheese adds a rich and creamy flavor and texture to the dish.
- Garlicky: The minced garlic gives the dish a punch of strong, pungent flavor that is loved by garlic lovers everywhere.
All of these flavors combine to create a truly delicious meal that you won't soon forget!
Garlic margherita chicken is a versatile and flavorful meal that can be adapted to meet a range of dietary restrictions. By making a few simple tweaks to the recipe, you can enjoy this delicious dish no matter what your dietary needs may be.
5 FAQ about Garlic Margherita Chicken
1. What are the ingredients in Garlic Margherita Chicken?
Garlic Margherita Chicken typically includes boneless chicken breasts, garlic, tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil.
2. How is Garlic Margherita Chicken prepared?
First, the chicken breasts are lightly seasoned with salt and pepper and then seared until golden brown. Next, a garlicky tomato sauce is made by sautéing garlic in olive oil, adding fresh tomatoes and basil, and then simmering until a thick sauce forms. The chicken is then topped with the tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese, and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Is Garlic Margherita Chicken healthy?
Yes! One meal of Garlic Margherita Chicken contains only 362 calories, making it a relatively healthy meal option. It is also high in protein, thanks to the chicken, and includes several nutrient-dense ingredients, such as garlic and tomatoes.
4. What are some variations of Garlic Margherita Chicken?
For a low-carb option, you can substitute zucchini or eggplant slices for the chicken breasts. You can also add additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to the tomato sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
5. Can Garlic Margherita Chicken be made ahead of time?
Yes! Garlic Margherita Chicken can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later consumption. Simply reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until warmed through.