Hummus-Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless
skinless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper
- 1 zucchini
chopped
- 1 yellow squash
chopped
- 1 medium onion
chopped
- 1 cup hummus
homemade or storebought
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 lemons
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika or sumac
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare one large baking dish or two smaller baking dishes with cooking spray.
- 2
Pat the chicken dry. Season the chicken breasts with generous pinches of salt and pepper. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, squash and onion with olive oil until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3
If using one baking dish, place all of the vegetables on the bottom of the dish in an even layer. Lay the four chicken breasts evenly on top, then cover each chicken breast with the hummus so that the entire breast is covered. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken and vegetables. Then sprinkle the pan with smoked paprika or sumac. Thinly slice the remaining lemon, and place the slices in between the chicken and vegetables if desired.
- 4
**If using two pans, use one for the chicken and one for the vegetables.**
- 5
Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve immediately.
Hummus-Crusted Chicken
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About this Recipe
Tired of dry, bland chicken? This Hummus-Crusted Chicken recipe offers a fresh, flavorful solution, transforming weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum taste. It's an easy baked chicken dish that’s full of vibrant flavor.
The genius of this dish lies in using creamy hummus as both a flavorful crust and a tenderizing moisture barrier for the chicken. This approach keeps the boneless, skinless chicken breasts incredibly moist while infusing them with savory depth. It's a clever technique that elevates simple baked chicken into something truly special.
You can expect succulent, perfectly cooked chicken, beautifully complemented by tender, colorful zucchini, yellow squash, and onion. The hummus bakes into a delightful, slightly browned coating, adding a rich, earthy flavor profile. A bright squeeze of lemon juice provides a lovely counterpoint, while the smoked paprika or sumac adds a touch of warmth and complexity. This dish feels light yet satisfying, making it a fantastic addition to your regular meal rotation.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to experiment with different flavors of hummus, such as roasted red pepper or garlic hummus, to change the profile of your baked chicken. For the vegetables, consider swapping the zucchini and yellow squash for bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even some thinly sliced carrots. You could also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro after baking for a burst of freshness.
This flavorful hummus-crusted chicken is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, serving as a complete dish on its own. It's also elegant enough to serve to guests for a casual gathering, pairing wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of quinoa.