You can get the crispy taste of fried food without the extra fat in this baked breaded chicken. The Italian seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture make for a tasty bite. Pair this with one of my fresh salads and serve it for your next weekday family dinner.
This recipe is great for anyone who wants the crunch of fried chicken without the extra fat and carbs that come from deep frying and batter. It’s great for counting macros while still having a satisfying meal.
Pair this protein-packed chicken with a cooked veggie or one of my favorite salads and you’re all set!
This recipe is dairy-free, but since it calls for breadcrumbs it is not naturally gluten-free. So, it’s really simple to make this recipe gluten-free. You can either buy gluten-free bread crumbs or make your own.
I like Schar gluten-free bread. To make your own gluten-free breadcrumbs, put a few pieces of it into a food processor and process them on high until you get small, coarse breadcrumbs. Toast those breadcrumbs in the oven until golden brown and they’re ready to be used in your breading!.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients you can start cooking! Here’s how to make baked breaded chicken:
When you’re working with raw eggs and breadcrumbs, things can get a little messy. Here’s a trick I learned that can help with the breading process and keep your kitchen a little bit cleaner. Designate one hand as the “wet” hand and the other as the “dry” hand, that way only one hand will ever touch the egg wash.
I’m right-handed so here’s what I do. I grab the raw chicken breast with my left hand, drop it into my egg wash, and then gently set it into my breadcrumb mixture. With my dry right hand, I scoop the mixture over the chicken breast to make sure it’s fully coated. Then, with the same dry hand, I pick up the chicken and place it on the baking sheet.
It may seem like a no-brainer to do it this way, but trust me, my first few times breading this chicken were pretty messy. I was using both hands to do the whole process and it only took a few minutes for my hands to be completely breaded instead of the chicken!
This breaded baked chicken is a great protein to have on your dinner plate. All you need now is some tasty, fresh vegetables on the side. If you’re looking for something to serve with this chicken, here are the recipes I recommend!
Breaded chicken is a delicious and versatile meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The crispy, golden coating provides a satisfying crunch while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful on the inside. However, properly cooking breaded chicken can be tricky – undercook it and you risk food poisoning, overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, rubbery meat. So how long exactly should you cook breaded chicken to perfection? Read on for the ultimate guide.
What Factors Determine Breaded Chicken Cook Times?
Several key factors impact how long it takes to cook breaded chicken, including:
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Chicken thickness – Thinner cuts like chicken breasts or cutlets will cook faster than thicker pieces like a whole chicken breast or thigh. Thin cuts may only need 15-20 minutes while thick pieces can take 30 minutes or more.
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Breading type – The type of breading impacts cook time. More delicate breadcrumbs may take less time to crisp up than heartier coatings like panko.
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Cooking method – Frying, baking, and air frying all require different cook times. Frying is fastest while baking takes longer.
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Temperature – Higher oven temperatures shorten baking time but can burn breading if too high. Lower temps take longer but prevent burning
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Frozen vs. Thawed—Frozen chicken needs more time, sometimes up to five times longer depending on how thick it is.
Recommended Cook Times
Here are general guidelines for how long to cook breaded chicken using common methods
Baked
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake thin pieces for 20-25 minutes, thick pieces for 30-35 minutes.
Pan-Fried
4-5 minutes per side for thin cutlets, 6-8 minutes per side for thicker pieces like boneless chicken breasts.
Air Fried
380°F for 10-15 minutes depending on thickness, flip halfway.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Breaded Chicken
Follow these tips for crispy, juicy chicken every time:
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Put the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and cook it until it reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safety and doneness.
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Avoid overcrowding pan – Too many pieces steams rather than fries. Cook in batches for even crispiness.
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Let rest 5 minutes – Allowing chicken to rest helps seal in juices.
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Rotate baking sheet – Ensures even browning in the oven.
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Lightly spray with oil – Creates a crisper exterior when baking.
Healthy Alternatives
For a lighter take, try these modifications:
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Use whole wheat breadcrumbs – More fiber and nutrients than plain white breadcrumbs.
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Skip the frying – Baking or air frying removes excess oil for a lighter meal.
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Cover in egg whites. Using only egg whites gets rid of the cholesterol and extra fat that come from egg yolks.
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Flavor breading with herbs and spices – Adds flavor without calories; rosemary, paprika, and cayenne work well.
Common Questions
Can you cook breaded chicken from frozen?
Yes, though it will take longer. Increase cook time by about 50% and watch closely to prevent burning. Defrosting first is ideal for more even cooking.
What temperature should breaded chicken be cooked to?
To make sure it is safe to eat, cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
What should I serve with breaded chicken?
It pairs well with starchy sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. Veggies like broccoli or salad balance the meal. Dipping sauces like marinara or ranch are tasty accents.
Can I reuse leftover breaded chicken?
Yes, baked breaded chicken reheats well in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. The oven keeps the breading crispier than the microwave.
Conclusion
Perfectly cooked breaded chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and delicious any night of the week. Follow these guidelines on cook times, methods, and doneness tips for your best batch yet. With the right technique, you’ll impress even the pickiest eaters with this family-friendly favorite.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’re looking for more flavorful ways to prepare your chicken, you’re in the right place! Here’s a list of some of my favorite chicken recipes.