Making dinner easy and delicious is our specialty at Sweet Emily. This crispy baked breaded chicken recipe is a perfect example! Imagine tender, juicy chicken encased in a golden, crunchy coating – all baked to perfection, not fried. It’s a healthier twist on a family favorite, delivering incredible flavor without the mess or extra fat. Get ready to add this amazing dish to your collection of go-to easy breaded chicken recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Recipe
This is truly one of the best breaded chicken recipes for busy weeknights! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Healthier: We bake this chicken in the oven, using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. Enjoy that satisfying crunch guilt-free.
- Easy & Quick: Our simple, step-by-step instructions ensure minimal prep and a stress-free cooking experience, perfect for beginners. You’ll master this classic among breaded chicken recipes in no time.
- Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with a wide array of sides, from simple salads to hearty mashed potatoes. It’s an adaptable star among many breaded chicken recipes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike rave about this flavorful chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pl for any dinner table.
- Less Mess: Say goodbye to splattering oil! Baking means an easier cleanup, letting you enjoy your meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating delicious breaded chicken recipes. For this delightful crispy chicken, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some fresh chicken. These are the core components that bring our baked breaded chicken recipe to life.
- 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 breaded chicken recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully, but you can also use chicken tenders or boneless chicken thighs for juicy results.
- Breading: For different textures, try Italian breadcrumbs, gluten-free Panko, or even crushed cornflakes for a unique crunch.
- Eggs: If you don’t have eggs, mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, or plain yogurt can serve as alternatives for dredging.
- Seasonings: Feel free to get creative! Add paprika, a pinch of cayenne for heat, Italian seasoning, or chili powder to enhance the flavor of this simple breaded chicken recipe.
- Fat: While cooking spray is recommended for a lighter touch, you can also use a drizzle of olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter for crisping.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes any cooking project easier, and this is especially true for simple breaded chicken recipes.
- Shallow dishes: You’ll need three separate dishes for your dredging station.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin: Essential for pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
- Rimmed baking sheet: To catch any drips and ensure even baking.
- Parchment paper (optional): Makes cleanup even simpler and prevents sticking.
- Instant-read meat thermometer: The best way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken.
Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken: Your Go-To Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pound chicken breasts to ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine Panko, seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and parsley.
- Coat each chicken breast first in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Instructions
Creating crispy, perfectly cooked chicken is straightforward with these easy steps. Follow along to make one of the best baked breaded chicken recipes you’ll ever try.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired.
Next, prepare your chicken. Place each boneless, skinless chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, pound them to an even ½ inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents it from drying out.
Now, set up your dredging stations. In the first shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed. In the second shallow dish, beat the two eggs thoroughly. In the third shallow dish, combine the Panko bread crumbs, seasoned bread crumbs, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, and 2 tablespoons dried parsley. Mix these breading ingredients well. This organized setup is key for successful breaded chicken recipes.
Panko bread crumbs offer a lighter, crispier texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs, as explained in various culinary resources.
Take one pounded chicken breast and dip it into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Make sure it’s fully coated.
Then, transfer the floured chicken to the beaten egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
Finally, place the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs firmly onto all surfaces of the chicken breast. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible crunch in all breaded chicken recipes. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts.
Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Generously spray the top of each chicken piece with cooking spray. This helps create that beautiful golden-brown and crispy crust.
Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with an instant-read meat thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C). The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the chicken.
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result. Enjoy this fantastic addition to your collection of breaded chicken recipes!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering crispy baked breaded chicken recipes is simple with these expert tips and solutions for common issues.
Achieving Maximum Crispiness
- Pound chicken to uniform thickness: Even chicken cooks evenly, preventing some parts from drying out while others get crispy.
- Pat chicken thoroughly dry before breading: Excess moisture leads to soggy breading, so a dry surface is crucial for maximum crispiness.
- Press breading firmly onto all surfaces: This ensures a thick, even coating that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Use generous cooking spray for golden-brown crust: Don’t skimp on the spray! It helps the breading turn golden and develops that desired crunchy texture.
Flavor Boosters
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to breadcrumbs: A half cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, cheesy depth to your breaded chicken recipes.
- Experiment with different spice blends (e.g., Cajun, lemon-pepper): Personalize your chicken by incorporating your favorite spice blends into the breadcrumb mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not pounding chicken evenly: This leads to uneven cooking; some parts dry out while others remain undercooked.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Chicken needs space to crisp up. Overcrowding traps steam, making the breading soggy. Bake in batches if necessary.
- Overbaking, leading to dry chicken: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F and then remove it promptly. This prevents dry breaded chicken recipes.
- Not letting chicken rest after baking: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender chicken.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy breading: Ensure chicken is thoroughly dry before breading and spray generously with cooking spray. A hot oven also helps prevent sogginess in baked breaded chicken recipes.
- Breading falling off: Press the breading firmly onto the chicken. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can make handling difficult and dislodge breading.
- Uneven cooking: Pound chicken uniformly to ½ inch thickness. This ensures consistent heat distribution and even cooking throughout.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile breaded chicken recipe offers endless possibilities for serving, storing, and customizing. It’s perfect for making delicious breaded chicken recipes a staple in your meal rotation.
How to Serve
- Alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad: A classic and comforting meal combination.
- In sandwiches, wraps, or as chicken strips with dipping sauces: Cut the chicken into strips before breading for easy finger food, perfect with honey mustard or ranch.
- As a base for Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Piccata: These crispy cutlets are a fantastic foundation for more elaborate dishes.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container (up to 3-4 days): Keep your cooked chicken fresh for future meals.
- Freeze cooked breaded chicken (up to 3 months): Flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for a quick meal prep option.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness: A conventional oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes will restore its crisp texture, making it just as good as fresh.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon Herb Breaded Chicken: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. This brightens up the flavor of your breaded chicken recipes.
- Spicy Breaded Chicken: Mix in ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into your breading for a delightful kick. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Increase the amount of grated Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumbs to ¾ cup for an extra cheesy, savory crust. This creates a rich, indulgent version of breaded chicken recipes.
Nutrition Information
This estimate provides general nutritional values for one serving of this delicious breaded chicken recipe. These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and serving sizes. It’s a great choice for healthy breaded chicken recipes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 527 |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Protein | 59g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 227mg |
| Sodium | 640mg |
| Potassium | 1010mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 245IU |
| Vitamin C | 5mg |
| Calcium | 98mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
Please note that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about making the best crispy baked breaded chicken recipes? We’ve got answers!
Can I use chicken tenders or thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders and boneless, skinless thighs work perfectly in this recipe. Adjust baking time slightly if needed, as smaller pieces cook faster.
Can this recipe be made in an air fryer?
Yes, it can! Air fry at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. This method yields incredibly crispy breaded chicken recipes.
How do I prevent the breading from becoming soggy?
Ensure your chicken is patted completely dry before breading and spray generously with cooking spray. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation.
What’s the best way to get a really crispy crust in the oven?
Pound the chicken to an even thickness, press the breading firmly, and use plenty of cooking spray. Baking at a slightly higher temperature also helps create a super crispy exterior for your breaded chicken recipes.
Can I freeze breaded chicken, cooked or uncooked?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked breaded chicken by flash-freezing it on a tray, then storing it in a freezer bag. Cooked breaded chicken freezes well too; just reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
What are some good dipping sauces for breaded chicken?
Classic options include honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a simple squeeze of lemon juice.
Conclusion
You now have the ultimate guide to creating perfectly crispy, juicy baked chicken, proving that delicious breaded chicken recipes don’t have to be complicated or unhealthy. This recipe delivers all the flavor and crunch you crave, making it an ideal choice for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. It’s a fantastic, healthier alternative to fried chicken that your whole family will love. We hope you enjoy making this wonderful dish! Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think; we love hearing your feedback! This will quickly become one of your favorite easy breaded chicken recipes.
