Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that leaves you disappointed? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with this mouthwatering Crunchy Baked Chicken recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen! With a golden, crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside, this dish is about to become your new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes for the breading process: • First dish: Mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper • Second dish: Whisk eggs and milk together until well combined • Third dish: Leave empty for initial chicken placement
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere better and ensures a crispier coating.
- Season chicken breasts with additional salt and pepper on both sides before breading.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Place breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to allow even air circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for the most crunchy coating
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each piece space for even cooking
- Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices
- Experiment with different seasonings in your breadcrumb mixture for variety
- For extra crunch, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 372kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 52g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 218mg
