Rose Cottage Ltd

I’m not much of a recipe person. I don’t have boxes of cards, or bookshelves full of recipe books, nor do I often make a habit of sharing recipes. These days, people seem to eat meals out of the home so much, I normally wouldn’t bother recommending anything – but here is one exception.

I stumbled upon a recipe called Parmesan Chicken somewhere online. Can’t remember where and since I am notorious for adding “a shake of this and a little of that,” I’m not surprised I didn’t print it out or take much notice of it at the time. But it has become a “keeper.”

In the most simple description:

Get yourself some boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Grab a bottle of Gulden’s (or your favorite spicy mustard), some olive oil, and some Thyme. You’ll also need some grated Parmesan cheese.

Make a mixture of the mustard, oil and (a little shake or three of Thyme), enough to coat all pieces of the chicken. Forget using utensils for this – it’s easier to just slather the mixture on the chicken with your fingers. Just use common sense here – too much oil and the mixture won’t stick.

Prepare a baking pan – just large enough to fit your chicken pieces. I layer the bottom with one piece of foil and then crinkle another piece of foil to give the chicken breasts a little lift from the fluids that will come out as they cook.

Plop the chicken breasts, now coated with your mustard mixture, in the pan and sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese. Stick the pan in the oven on around 400 degrees and wait.

30 to 40 minutes seems to be about right – but it depends on the size of the chicken breasts you selected.

I make a small salad (arugula, baby spinach and a couple cherry tomatoes work well), and when the chicken is done, cut it into strips and lay it on the salad. Some homemade bread or hot rolls go well with this dish, and maybe a nice glass of wine.

This is one of the easiest and flavorful meals in my kitchen repertoire. Great for all seasons, and provides a nice break from my more standard fare. This is also great for single and/or working people. Get a pack of 3 chicken breasts, prepare this recipe Sunday or Monday evening, and you’re good to go for lunch or dinner for a day or two. If part of a “couple” – you’ll need to fight for that one leftover piece of chicken – but it’s worth it!

The original recipe is no doubt still online but you don’t really need it. Make this once and then customize to suit your tastes. Catch the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on sale and this is a healthy and economical meal.