Crispy Baked Chicken Breast
This crispy baked chicken breast is golden, juicy, and full of crunch, with no frying needed. It's a lighter take on fried chicken, ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup (80 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- zest of 1 lemon grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- oil spray
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves finely chopped
- lemon slices or lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prep the chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Slice each breast in half lengthwise to make thinner, even pieces.
Set up the breading station
- Use 3 shallow bowls: one with flour, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and another with panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the chicken
- Dip each piece first in the flour, then the egg, and finally press it into the panko to coat. Shake off any excess at each step.
Bake
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and spray both sides lightly with cooking oil.Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 12 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Thicker pieces may take a bit longer. Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer (165°F or 75°C).
Serve
- Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley if you like.
Notes
- Chicken: You can also use chicken tenders or boneless thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Find them in the breadcrumb aisle, Asian section, or online.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or use an air fryer at 400°F (205°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to bring back the crunch.
Nutrition
Serving: 160g | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.9g | Protein: 30.3g | Fat: 4.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.8g | Cholesterol: 109.7mg | Sodium: 504.2mg | Fiber: 0.7g | Sugar: 0.1g
