Looking for a high-calorie meal option? A serving of Crusted Chicken Romano packs a whopping 1273 calories, making it a filling and indulgent choice. But what exactly is this dish? Let's take a closer look.

Crusted Chicken Romano is a dish that features breaded chicken breast topped with a mixture of Romano cheese, garlic, and herbs, then baked until golden brown. Served with a side of pasta or vegetables, it's a hearty and flavorful meal that's great for special occasions or when you're craving something extra satisfying.

In this article, we'll explore the ingredients, nutritional breakdown, health benefits and drawbacks, as well as some alternative options and tips for preparing and serving the dish.

High-calorie content

As mentioned earlier, a serving of Crusted Chicken Romano contains 1273 calories, making it a high-calorie meal option. This dish is also high in fat, with 67 grams per serving, and carbs, with 74 grams per serving. While a high-calorie meal can be satisfying and indulgent, it's important to keep in mind your overall caloric intake and dietary goals. Eating a lot of high-calorie meals can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Overview of the dish

As mentioned earlier, Crusted Chicken Romano is a savory dish made with breaded chicken breast and a mixture of Romano cheese, garlic, and herbs. It's typically served with your choice of pasta or vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The chicken is coated in breadcrumbs and then baked in the oven until crispy and golden. The cheese mixture is added on top during the last few minutes of cooking to create a delicious and slightly cheesy flavor profile.

Ingredients

To make Crusted Chicken Romano, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Note that you can substitute the Romano cheese with another type of hard cheese, such as Parmesan, if desired.

Calories and macronutrient breakdown

As mentioned earlier, a serving of Crusted Chicken Romano contains 1273 calories, 67 grams of fat, 74 grams of carbs, and 100 grams of protein. While this dish is high in calories, it's also high in protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue. The carbs come primarily from the breadcrumbs and pasta or vegetables served on the side.

Health benefits and drawbacks

As with any food, Crusted Chicken Romano has its pros and cons when it comes to health. Some potential benefits of this dish include:

• High in protein
• Satisfying and filling
• Contains some vitamins and minerals from the cheese and herbs

However, the drawbacks include the high calorie and fat content, as well as the added sodium from the cheese and breadcrumbs. If you're watching your weight or have high blood pressure or other health concerns, you may want to enjoy this dish in moderation.

Alternatives for a healthier option

If you're looking for a lighter option than Crusted Chicken Romano, there are a few simple swaps you can make. Try:

• Using lean chicken breasts and reducing the amount of cheese and breadcrumbs used
• Serving the chicken with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables instead of pasta
• Making a homemade version with whole-grain breadcrumbs and less oil

These alternatives can help you reduce the calorie and fat content while still enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Tips for preparing the dish

To ensure your Crusted Chicken Romano turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use thin chicken breasts to reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking
• Make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly coated on the chicken for a crispy texture
• Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to 165°F (74°C) before serving

Serving suggestions

While Crusted Chicken Romano is delicious on its own, it's also great served with a few simple sides. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Garlic roasted broccoli
• Lemon and herb roasted potatoes
• Sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil

You can also pair this dish with a hearty salad or bread for a more filling meal.

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few commonly asked questions about Crusted Chicken Romano:

• Can I use a different type of cheese?
• Yes, you can substitute Romano with Parmesan or another hard cheese.
• What should I serve with this dish?
• Pasta, vegetables, or potatoes all make great sides for Crusted Chicken Romano.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
• Yes, you can prepare the chicken and breadcrumb mixture earlier in the day and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

Conclusion

Crusted Chicken Romano is a decadent and flavorful meal that's perfect for special occasions or when you're craving something extra indulgent. While it is high in calories and fat, there are ways to modify the recipe to make it a bit lighter and healthier. Whether you prepare it for a date night in or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy!