Are you tired of bland, dry chicken that leaves you disappointed at the dinner table? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with this mouthwatering Crispy Baked Chicken recipe that promises restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen! With a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside, this dish is about to become your new go-to recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and become crispy.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help with cleanup.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better and promotes crispiness.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat each piece evenly. The olive oil will help the breadcrumbs stick and add flavor.
- One by one, take each chicken breast and press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that both sides are fully coated. Press down firmly to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Once all the chicken breasts are on the baking sheet, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Serve the crispy baked chicken with your choice of sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before coating - moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the chicken breasts.
- Don't be shy with the seasoning - the breadcrumb mixture is where all the flavor magic happens. Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like dried thyme or garlic powder.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- For extra crispiness, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create an even more dramatic crunch.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- If you want to make this recipe even healthier, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for the coating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
