Cheesy Garlic Crispy Chicken

I have really been eating healthier for the last few weeks. I’m trying to not go too much off course and trying to eat less throughout the day when I know I have an event or a time that I may not be eating the best. During the week I’m always looking for something new to try. That’s where this dish came in.

I usually make chicken often and like I’ve said before I’m always trying to come up with new chicken recipes. I just made this dish last night and I had to share. The chicken came out so tender with a crispy top and a nice pop of garlic. It was delicious. I needed something different for chicken and I wanted it to be healthier therefore I used light and low fat items. Feel free to use full fat ingredients in this dish too. I’m sure it will come out even better.

Ingredients:
8 boneless and skinless chicken thighs
3 oz (1/4 cup+ 2 T) light ranch salad dressing
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese
3 garlic cloves, grated (more or less to taste)
2 t olive oil
1 t Italian seasoning
1 t + more for sprinkling, garlic powder
1 t + more for sprinkling, onion powder
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions: Preheat oven to 375°. Add chicken to an oven safe dish and season chicken with sprinkle of garlic and onion powder and salt and pepper. In a medium bowl mix together light ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, grated garlic, panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon each of spices and sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once completely mixed add a spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture to top of all chicken pieces and flatten. Bake at 375° for 40-45 minutes until chicken in completely cooked to 165°. Let rest a few minutes and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes: You can do this with chicken breasts and depending on size you may have to just increase the cooking time. Feel free to double the topping to make extra as it’s super delicious. I only did this amount as I was trying to keep it healthier. Try to switch it up with different kinds of cheese or even different spices. You can make this earlier in the day and cook when ready.