Craving that satisfying crunch of perfectly crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken without the hassle and mess of deep-frying? Look no further! This simple oven-baked recipe delivers a wonderfully juicy interior and an incredibly crisp exterior every single time. It’s an easy, healthier alternative that your whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Breaded Chicken
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe streamlines the process, making weeknight dinners a breeze for busy parents and beginners alike.
- Healthier Alternative: Oven-baking provides all the crispiness you desire with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods.
- Minimal Mess, Simple Cleanup: Say goodbye to greasy splatters! Baking keeps your kitchen cleaner, simplifying post-meal tidying.
- Versatile for Various Meals: Serve this breaded chicken as a standalone main, on salads, or in sandwiches. Its adaptability makes meal planning effortless.
- Flavorful, Satisfying Family Favorite: Enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that consistently receives rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
To make this amazing breaded chicken, gather these simple items:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- cooking spray
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this classic baked chicken recipe. For uniform cooking, choose chicken breasts of similar size, or even use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Panko breadcrumbs are key for extra crispiness; however, you can use all regular breadcrumbs for a softer texture. Feel free to experiment with seasonings like Italian seasoning, a touch of paprika, or even a Cajun blend for a different flavor profile. If you’re out of eggs, a splash of milk, buttermilk, or even a thin layer of mayonnaise can work as a binder. For an extra savory touch, mix grated Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumb mixture.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this delicious breaded chicken.
- Shallow dishes (for flour, egg, and breadcrumbs)
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Meat thermometer
- Meat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect crispy breaded chicken:
- Preheat Oven and Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet or a heavy pan to pound them to an even ½ inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and tenderness for your oven-baked breaded chicken. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to help the breading stick.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Get three shallow dishes ready. In the first, beat the eggs and set aside. In the second dish, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. In the third dish, mix together the Panko bread crumbs, seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and dried parsley.
- Dredge the Chicken: Take one chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it completely into the beaten egg mixture, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Gently press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken to help them adhere. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Generously spray both sides of each chicken piece with cooking spray. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crispiness you want from the oven.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends this minimum internal temperature for safe poultry consumption. Flip the chicken halfway through baking for even browning, if desired.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the breaded chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Pat Chicken Dry: Always pat chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels before dredging. This helps the flour and breading stick better.
- Ensure Even Breading Adhesion: Firmly press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. This creates a more robust coating that crisps beautifully.
- Spray Generously: Don’t skimp on the cooking spray! A generous coating ensures ultimate crispiness and golden-brown color without deep-frying.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). Overcooking leads to dry, tough results.
- Allow Chicken to Rest: Resting the cooked chicken for a few minutes before cutting locks in the juices, ensuring a tender and moist bite.
- Add Parmesan: For an extra layer of savory flavor, mix finely grated Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumb mixture.
- Flavor Boosting: Experiment with different spice blends in your breading. Smoked paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning can transform the flavor profile.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile breaded chicken can be a star in many meals.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this crispy chicken as a main course alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it to a Caesar salad for a quick and satisfying lunch.
- Tuck a piece into a warm bun with lettuce and tomato for a homemade chicken sandwich.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or marinara.
- Repurpose leftovers into a quick Chicken Parmesan by topping with marinara and mozzarella, then baking until bubbly.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate any leftover breaded chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- For best texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in an air fryer. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
Freezing Instructions
- Uncooked: For future meals, you can freeze uncooked breaded chicken. Place breaded pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adjusting baking time.
- Cooked: Freeze cooked leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Variations
- Different Chicken Cuts: This recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken tenders, drumsticks, or even baked chicken cutlet recipes. Adjust cooking times as needed.
- Seasoning Mixes: Explore other seasoning blends. Try lemon pepper, Cajun spices, or a touch of smoked paprika for new flavors.
- Add Cheese: Mix grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese directly into your breading mixture for a cheesy crust.
- Buffalo Chicken: After baking, toss the crispy chicken pieces in your favorite buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Serve with blue cheese dressing.
Nutrition Information
This oven-baked breaded chicken offers a healthier way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on the ingredients listed. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I make breaded chicken crispy in the oven?
Generously spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray on both sides before baking. This fat helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and turn golden in the hot oven.
Can I use other types of chicken with this recipe?
Absolutely! This method works well for boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cutlets, or even chicken thighs. Adjust the baking time as needed for thinner or thicker cuts.
Can I freeze breaded chicken before or after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze it both ways. Freeze raw, breaded chicken on a sheet until solid, then transfer to a bag. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen in an airtight container for later.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Ensure your chicken is patted very dry before dredging, and firmly press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken. A good egg wash also helps the breading adhere properly.
What seasonings can I add for more flavor?
Experiment with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs also boosts flavor.
Conclusion
This Crispy Oven-Baked Breaded Chicken recipe proves that you don’t need a deep fryer to achieve perfectly golden, crunchy results. It’s incredibly easy to make, healthier than fried versions, and wonderfully versatile for countless meals. We hope this simple guide inspires you to create a new family favorite. Give this delicious breaded chicken a try tonight, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Crispy Oven-Baked Breaded Chicken
Equipment
- Oven
- Meat mallet
- Shallow dishes (3)
- Rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- cooking spray
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½ inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Beat the eggs in one shallow dish, and in another, combine the flour with salt and pepper.
- In a third shallow dish, mix the Panko, seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and dried parsley.
Breading and Baking
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten egg, and finally into the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Generously spray both sides of the breaded chicken with cooking spray and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving
- Serve the crispy chicken warm with your favorite side dishes.