Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken Healthy Fried Perfection

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for proper fried chicken? Me too! But let's be honest, the guilt is real. This baked breaded chicken recipe is your answer! It's crispy, flavourful, and way healthier than a takeaway.
Brief Overview
Breaded chicken recipes are found all over, but baking takes it to a new level. This recipe is straight from my kitchen to yours, a simple twist on a classic.
Ready in under an hour, this easy baked chicken breast is perfect for a family of four.
Main Benefits
This isn't just any chicken dinner recipe . Baking our crispy baked chicken recipe slashes the fat content. This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
The crunchy coating and juicy chicken inside, what makes this so special? Let’s dive in, shall we?
Ready to start prepping the chicken?
The Line-Up: Ingredients You'll Need
Alright, time to gather your bits and bobs! Here’s what you’ll need to make the oven fried chicken recipe dreams come true:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper.
That's all!
Getting Started: The Method
First up, prep the chicken. You want each piece an even thickness. This helps it cook evenly, you know? I use a meat mallet for this.
After the chicken is prepped and seasoned, you're ready to bread! Time to set up your breading stations. One for the flour, one for the egg, and one for the panko parmesan mixture.
Make sure to dip the chicken in flour, then the egg, and lastly the panko mixture, and pressing to adhere.
Baking Time!
Place the breaded chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet. For extra points, put it on a wire rack. This helps the bottom get crispy too.
Drizzle with olive oil, then bake in a preheated oven at 400° F for 25- 30 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature is 165° F.
Bonus Tip
Ever tried adding crushed cornflakes instead of panko for Panko Chicken Recipe ? It's banging.
Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Baked Breaded Chicken
Right then, let's dive into what you'll need for this Crispy Baked Chicken Recipe . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.
It's about getting those Breaded Chicken Recipes just right , innit?
Main Ingredients
First up, the stars of the show.
- Chicken Breasts: You need 4 of them, boneless and skinless. Each should weigh about 6 oz (170g) . Look for chicken breasts that are plump. Avoid anything looking a bit grey.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
Those are the essentials for the chicken. Now for the magic!
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g) . Plain as you like, nothing fancy needed!
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds a lovely warmth.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . For that savoury depth.
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . This gives it a nice smokey flavour.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . If you like a bit of a kick, add it in.
- Eggs: 2 large (100g) , lightly beaten. These are your binding agent.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups (75g) . This is key for that Crispy Baked Chicken Recipe . Panko is better than regular breadcrumbs, trust me!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) . Adds a cheesy tang.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
Seasoning Notes
Smoked paprika is a game changer. Honestly, it is. It adds so much depth. Also, you can totally sub in Italian herbs.
A tablespoon will do the trick. Want a Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe flavor? Just add more Parmesan!
Equipment Needed
Right, you don’t need fancy gear for this Easy Baked Chicken Breast . These are the essentials:
- 3 Shallow Dishes: Pie plates work a treat.
- Baking Sheet: Gotta bake that baked breaded chicken on something!
- Wire Rack (Optional): This is proper good. It lets air circulate and keeps it crispier.
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: For bashing the Chicken Breast Recipes to even thickness.
A little tip, If you don't have a wire rack, don't sweat it. It will still be amazing.
This Healthy Baked Chicken is way easier than you think. So, get your stuff sorted, and let's get cooking! If you fancy a change, why not try some Oven Fried Chicken Recipe methods? Or play with the Panko Chicken Recipe to find the perfect combination for your taste buds?
And trust me, this'll become a staple Chicken Dinner Recipes .
Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken : Healthy "Fried" Perfection
Fancy a bit of comfort food? This baked breaded chicken recipe gives you all the joy of fried chicken. But it's way healthier! No need to feel guilty here.
We're talking golden brown crunch and juicy chicken. Ready for a game changer in your chicken dinner recipes ?
Prep Steps for Chicken Breast Recipes Baked
Essential mise en place? You betcha! First, get your chicken ready. Time saving tip: whack those chicken breast recipes between cling film and bash 'em flat.
Makes 'em cook evenly. Safety first: always wash your hands after handling raw chicken! Honestly, you don't want salmonella.
step-by-step: Easy Baked Chicken Breast
- Pound your chicken breast recipes baked to 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow dishes: flour & spices, beaten eggs, then panko chicken recipe with Parmesan.
- Dredge in flour, then egg, then panko mix. Press firmly.
- Grease a baking sheet. A wire rack is your mate for extra crispiness.
- Arrange chicken on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 25- 30 minutes . Internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) . Golden brown is your visual cue!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crispy Baked Chicken Recipe
Panko breadcrumbs are key. They're much lighter than regular breadcrumbs. This gives you that amazing crunch. Also, don't skip the wire rack.
It lets air circulate. So you get a super crispy baked chicken recipe . Avoid overcrowding the pan. Give each piece room to breathe.
As for mistakes, under seasoning is a big no-no.
I remember one time, I didn't flatten my chicken enough. Parts were dry, others were undercooked. Trust me, even thickness is crucial.
This is like making the proper Oven Fried Chicken Recipe with a more healthy twist.
Recipe Notes
Let's chat about some extra bits for this Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken .
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Ideas
Honestly, presentation matters! For a simple but elegant look, slice the baked breaded chicken on the bias and fan it out. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve alongside some vibrant green veg.
If you're feeling proper fancy, try a drizzle of lemon aioli. For sides? Mash and some Chicken Dinner Recipes . Always a winner. A simple green salad cuts through the richness.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries!
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop any leftover baked breaded chicken into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Options: Freezing is a go! Let the cooked chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece individually in cling film. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15- 20 minutes. Or, use an air fryer for extra crispiness! Honestly, nuking it can make it a bit soggy, so I'd avoid that if you can.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a change?
- Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, swap the regular flour and panko breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free alternatives. Honestly, there are some great Panko Chicken Recipe substitutes.
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try adding some fresh basil to the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe breadcrumb mix. In the winter, a pinch of dried sage is gorgeous. Breaded Chicken Recipes are so flexible.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let’s talk numbers, but keep it simple. This Healthy Baked Chicken dish has a good whack of protein, thanks to the chicken.
Around 45g per serving. Baking it cuts down on fat compared to frying. Approximately 18g per serving. It’s a decent choice if you're watching the waistline.
Plus, you're getting some calcium from that Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe cheese. Honestly, it's comfort food that isn't too naughty.
So there you have it! A proper tasty meal with plenty of ways to make it your own. Now go and create some crispy, delicious Easy Baked Chicken Breast .
Let me know how you get on!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my baked breaded chicken is extra crispy? I'm after that proper "fried" texture!
For that amazing crispy texture, don't skip the wire rack! Elevating the chicken allows air to circulate underneath, preventing the breading from getting soggy. Also, make sure you're using Panko breadcrumbs they are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
A light drizzle of olive oil over the breaded chicken before baking also helps to achieve that golden brown, crunchy exterior we all crave. Remember, don't overcrowd the pan; space lets the heat circulate properly.
Can I prepare the baked breaded chicken ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken breasts a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator on a baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap. However, for the best results, bake them as soon as possible after breading. You can fully cook the chicken in advance.
Allow to cool, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp the breading. Microwaving is not advised as the breading will become soggy.
What are some tasty variations I can try to spice up my baked breaded chicken? Fancy something a bit different.
Fancy a bit of a twist, eh? For a spicy kick, try adding some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. An Italian herb infusion is also lovely mix in some dried Italian herbs into the breadcrumb mixture.
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try crushing some cornflakes or potato chips for the breadcrumb coating. Get creative and have fun with it! You could also try adding different cheese, such as parmesan, grated into the breadcrumb mixture.
How long does baked breaded chicken last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Cooked baked breaded chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. For reheating, the oven or air fryer are your best bet to revive that crispy texture. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
A quick burst in the microwave is okay in a pinch, but be warned, it can make the breading a bit soggy - not ideal, mate!
Is baked breaded chicken actually healthier than fried? What's the catch?
Yes, baking is definitely a healthier option compared to frying! You significantly reduce the amount of added fat, making it a lighter dish overall. Of course, it still contains calories and fat from the chicken and breading, but it's a far cry from the oil-soaked version you'd get from a chippy.
If you are concerned with sodium or fat, be sure to read labels and adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
Can I use different cuts of chicken for this baked breaded chicken recipe? What about chicken thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are a classic choice, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They tend to be a bit more flavourful and stay moist during baking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs might take slightly longer to cook through.
Using a meat thermometer is always a good shout to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken Healthy Fried Perfe

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |