baked chicken dinner

Yesterday I spent some time with my mother and she let me try a new recipe she had created. She has always made very good baked chicken, so when she told me she had tried something new with it, I wasn't sure how it could get any better. As always, her recipe was great. This new baked chicken recipe tastes like a gourmet meal, and is actually easier than her original recipe. I decided to make it tonight for my family (and so I wouldn't forget her directions).

Baked chicken, steamed potatoes, candied carrots

Baked Chicken

Thaw chicken breasts and trim fat. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with vegetable oil cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in dish. Coat topside of chicken with mayonnaise, then lightly layer with herbs. (I used basil, parsley, ground pepper, cilantro, oregano and an Italian spice mix.) Crush Ritz buttered crackers until fine and coat the top of the chicken breasts. (I crush the crackers by placing them in a ziploc bag and roll with a rolling pin.) Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Test the thickest part of the breast with a food thermometer; poultry should read 170 degrees when finished cooking. This chicken is so tender and the taste is absolutely delicious. Thanks Mom!!!!

baked chicken fresh from the oven

Candied Carrots

I like the look of petite whole carrots. I washed the carrots and trimmed the ends of the greenery. I put them in a microwave-safe covered dish with about 4 Tablespoons water and microwaved for 5 minutes. When done cooking, I brushed butter on the carrots and lightly coated with brown sugar. I put the lid back on the dish to keep the carrots lightly cooking until ready to serve.

Steamed Potatoes

I found a yellow potato in the fresh produce section at Meijer that is in a steamable bag. They cook in 8 minutes in the microwave and taste so good. These fresh potatoes are great without anything added, but if you prefer, you can add a little butter and herbs.

A gourmet meal start to finish in less than an hour. No leftovers, so I think we will do this again!