Thereβs something undeniably magical about crispy, golden panko crusted chicken. When the crunch meets the tender juiciness of perfectly cooked chicken, it creates a flavor explosion that dances in your mouth. You can almost hear the crackling as you take that first delightful bite, and the aroma wafts through the kitchen like an inviting hug.
I first stumbled upon this dish during a casual family dinner where my cousin decided to unleash his culinary skills. Let me tell you, I was hooked! The crispy exterior paired with that succulent chicken made my taste buds sing. This dish is perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings. Get ready for a flavor experience that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Panko crusted chicken is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- The delightful crunch adds visual appeal to any plate
- Itβs versatile enough for salads, sandwiches, or as a main dish
- Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your family on busy nights
Every time I make this recipe, my family reacts like kids on Christmas morningβwide eyes and eager hands reaching for more.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Succulent and tender; these are the stars of your dish.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for Japanese-style breadcrumbs for that extra crunch and texture.
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Eggs: Two large eggs act as the glue that helps keep the panko coating in place.
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Flour: All-purpose flour helps create a base layer for those crunchy crumbs to stick.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavor; never underestimate their power.
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Cooking Oil: Use oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil for frying.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Set Up Your Dredging Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper in the last.
Dredge the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and coat it first in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture. Finally, press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place coated chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet; make sure theyβre spaced out so they can crisp up nicely without crowding each other.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Youβll know theyβre done when you see that lovely crunchy exterior!
Serve and Enjoy!: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or sides for a complete meal experience.
Now youβve created a masterpiece worthy of any dinner table! Feel free to get creative with different spicesβmaybe some Italian herbs or spicy paprika could kick things up a notch? Enjoy every crispy bite!
You Must Know
- Panko crusted chicken is not just about crunch; itβs a delightful blend of textures
- The fluffy panko creates an irresistible crunch, while the chicken remains juicy and tender
- Pair it with a zesty sauce for a flavor explosion that will impress your guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken in a hot pan first to lock in juices, then finish in the oven for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices or add parmesan cheese to the panko for extra flavor and richness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect crunch, ensure your chicken is dry before applying the panko
- This helps the coating stick better
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor and freshness
- Donβt skip resting time; it keeps your chicken juicy!
I once made panko crusted chicken for a family gathering, and everyone raved about it! My cousin even asked for a cooking lesson right then and there.
FAQ
What is panko crusted chicken?
Panko crusted chicken is crispy fried or baked chicken coated with Japanese-style breadcrumbs called panko.
How can I make my panko crusted chicken extra crispy?
Double-dip your chicken: coat it in flour, egg, then panko for maximum crunchiness.
Can I bake panko crusted chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 400Β°F will yield crispy results without the extra oil from frying.
Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the satisfying crunch of panko breadcrumbs with juicy, succulent chicken. This easy-to-make recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a flavorful centerpiece, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, youβll have a crispy, golden meal that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (canola or vegetable)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving, pairing with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, mix grated parmesan cheese into the panko. Double-dip your chicken for an extra crunchy coating by repeating the flour and egg steps before adding panko. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.