Savory Portuguese Parmesan Chicken with Tomato Rice Recipe

Crispy portuguese parmesan chicken sings with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that dance across your plate.

Succulent meat gets a golden crunch from perfectly seasoned cheese coating.

Coastal portuguese culinary traditions inspire this delightful dinner that comes together quickly.

Rich tomato rice complements the juicy chicken with classic comfort.

Fragrant herbs and sharp parmesan create a remarkable blend of textures and tastes.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Helpful Pointers For Portuguese Parmesan Chicken With Tomato Rice

• Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed rice crackers for a celiac-friendly version. Choose thin chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and crispy coating throughout the meat. Pat chicken dry before coating to help Parmesan mixture stick better and create a crunchier exterior. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the tomato rice. Use fresh tomato sauce or passata for a more vibrant and authentic Portuguese flavor profile.

Fun Styles For Portuguese Parmesan Chicken With Tomato Rice

• Spicy Portuguese Chicken: Add red pepper flakes and paprika to the Parmesan coating for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic flavor profile.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken: Incorporate lemon zest and minced garlic into the Parmesan coating for a bright, zesty taste.
• Almond-Crusted Variation: Replace breadcrumbs with ground almonds for a nutty, crunchy texture and extra protein boost.

Perfect Pairings For Portuguese Parmesan Chicken With Tomato Rice

• Perfectly Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Vinho Verde or light Sauvignon Blanc to complement the chicken's rich Parmesan coating and cut through its creamy texture.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a vibrant green salad with arugula, parsley, and lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty chicken and add bright, refreshing notes to the dish.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare roasted bell peppers and zucchini drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with Mediterranean herbs to enhance the Portuguese-inspired flavors and add colorful nutrition.

How To Store Portuguese Parmesan Chicken With Tomato Rice

• Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place chicken and rice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring rice and turning chicken to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes. Reheat rice in a separate covered dish with a splash of water to maintain texture.

Portuguese Parmesan Chicken With Tomato Rice FAQ

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this Portuguese Parmesan chicken is not spicy. The recipe uses basic seasonings like salt and pepper, creating a mild and flavorful dish that’s suitable for most palates.

• Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with similar hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and tangy flavor to the chicken coating.

• Do I need any special kitchen equipment for this recipe?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need basic kitchen tools like a baking sheet, mixing bowls, a pot for rice, and standard measuring utensils. A standard home kitchen setup works perfectly.

Why Portuguese Parmesan Chicken With Tomato Rice Stands Out

• Simplify Dinner Prep: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Quick and Nutritious Combo: The one-pan chicken and tomato rice combination delivers a balanced meal packed with protein and flavor, saving you time and cleaning effort.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Crispy Parmesan coating and mild tomato rice create a universally appealing dish that both kids and adults will love without complex ingredients.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort: The Portuguese-style recipe brings exciting international flavors to your table, offering a delicious twist on traditional chicken dinners with its cheesy, crispy exterior and savory rice base.

What’s Needed For Portuguese Parmesan Chicken With Tomato Rice

• Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps create a crispy coating.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy texture and helps the cheese adhere to the chicken.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the coating stick to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when baking the chicken.

• White Rice: The base of the side dish that complements the crispy chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor of the rice and helps it cook evenly.
• Onion, Garlic: Provides a fragrant and flavorful foundation for the rice.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives the rice a vibrant color and tangy taste.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.

How To Make Portuguese Parmesan Chicken With Tomato Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Slide the oven rack into the middle position and set the temperature to 375F (190C). Let the oven heat up while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Coating

• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs

Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a deliciously crunchy exterior for the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth and well blended. This will help the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.

Step 4: Transform the Chicken

Dunk each chicken breast into the egg wash, making sure it’s completely covered. Then roll the egg-coated chicken in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.

Step 5: Set Up for Baking

Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle a light stream of olive oil over the top to help create a golden, crispy surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensuring the chicken is cooked completely through.

Step 7: Start the Tomato Rice Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become translucent and release their sweet aroma.

Step 8: Build the Rice Foundation

• White rice
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let the rice simmer gently until it absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

Step 9: Infuse with Tomato Flavor

Stir in tomato sauce, then season with salt and pepper. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the rice.

Step 10: Create the Final Masterpiece

Plate the crispy Parmesan chicken atop the vibrant tomato rice. Serve immediately while everything is hot and deliciously fresh.

Portuguese Parmesan Chicken with Tomato Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful Portuguese Parmesan Chicken dances with Mediterranean flavors, blending crispy chicken and zesty tomato rice. Savory spices and fresh ingredients create a mouthwatering journey through Portugal’s culinary landscape that you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup white rice

Rice and Sauce Components:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Parmesan coating by combining grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a shallow dish, ensuring a uniform mixture for even chicken coverage.
2. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until well blended, creating a smooth binding agent for the cheese coating.
3. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere more effectively.
4. Dredge each chicken breast first in the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully roll in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
5. Arrange coated chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet, positioning pieces with space between them for even heat circulation.
6. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the chicken to enhance browning and add a subtle richness.
7. Roast in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, until the exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. While chicken bakes, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent.
9. Add white rice to the sautéed aromatics, stirring to coat grains with oil and toast slightly.
10. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
11. Stir tomato sauce into the cooked rice, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
12. Plate the crispy Parmesan chicken atop the vibrant tomato rice, creating an appetizing Portuguese-inspired meal.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing Parmesan with Romano or Pecorino for deeper flavor complexity.
• Prevent dry chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F without overcooking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for crispy coating.
• Enhance rice’s richness by adding a splash of white wine during sautéing onions for subtle depth and aromatic undertones.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Portuguese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg