Learn How to Bread Chicken with this simple technique that wows everyone in the house and keeps the mess to a minimum. Then pan-fry, air-fry, or bake your cutlets to golden, juicy perfection.
Crispy, golden breaded chicken fresh out of the oven is one of life’s simple pleasures The crunch of the coating paired with the juicy tenderness of the chicken is an unbeatable combination However, improperly cooked breaded chicken can end up soggy and limp instead of deliciously crispy.
People often ask, “How long should I bake it in the oven?” when they want to make breaded chicken. The answer depends on a number of factors, but if you follow the right steps, you can always get perfectly cooked breaded chicken.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to bake breaded chicken to crispy mouthwatering perfection.
Choosing the Right Chicken for Breading
The first step is selecting high-quality chicken. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders for easy cooking and a better surface for the breading to adhere to.
You can also use chicken thighs, but they might need a little more time to cook than breasts. Pick chicken pieces that are all about the same thickness so they cook at the same speed.
Prepping the Chicken Correctly
Proper prep is key for the breading to stick and develop a nice crispy texture during baking. Here are the steps:
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Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture will make the breading slide right off.
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Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you like to both sides of the chicken. This adds flavor and ensures a seasoned interior.
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Set up a breading station with 3 shallow bowls: 1 with flour, 1 with beaten eggs, and 1 with panko breadcrumbs or whatever breading you prefer.
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Dredge the chicken pieces through each bowl – flour, egg, then breadcrumbs – pressing gently so the coating sticks.
Baking Times Based on Chicken Thickness
The thickness of your chicken pieces will determine the necessary baking time. Follow these guidelines:
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Chicken cutlets or tenders (1/2 inch thick): Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes
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Chicken breasts (1 inch thick): Bake at 400°F for 22-25 minutes
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Thick chicken breasts (1 1/2 inches): Bake at 400°F for 28-32 minutes
These times are for uncooked chicken at room temperature. Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness.
Checking Temperature for Doneness
The only way to reliably determine when breaded chicken is fully cooked is to use an instant read thermometer. Breaded chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
To check, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, taking care not to hit bone. Once it registers 165°F, your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
If the coating is browning too quickly, tent the chicken loosely with foil. This prevents burning while allowing it to finish cooking.
How Oven Type Affects Cooking Time
Standard conventional ovens are what the recommended baking times are based on. However, if you use a convection oven, reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes since the fan circulates air for quicker, more even cooking.
Smaller toaster ovens may also cook a bit faster than large conventional ovens. Get to know your appliance – you may need to adjust the time accordingly.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Breaded Chicken
Follow these tips for the crispiest, most mouthwatering baked breaded chicken:
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Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup and better browning.
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Arrange chicken pieces so they aren’t touching. This allows air flow and prevents sogginess.
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Brush chicken with oil before baking for enhanced browning and moisture.
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Flip chicken halfway through baking for evenly golden crust.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving so juices can redistribute.
Checking for Doneness Without a Thermometer
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for these visual signs that your breaded chicken is fully cooked:
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The breading is deep golden brown.
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The meat is no longer pink when you cut into the thickest part.
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The juices run clear rather than pink when piercing the chicken.
However, using a thermometer is still the most reliable doneness indicator. Get one for peace of mind!
Cooking Frozen Breaded Chicken
For best results, thaw breaded chicken in the fridge overnight before baking. But if you’re in a pinch, you can bake frozen breaded chicken straight from the freezer.
Add 5-10 extra minutes to the cook time, and watch closely to prevent burning. The breading may steam and lose some crispiness. For ideal texture, thaw first.
Reheating Leftover Breaded Chicken
Leftover breaded chicken keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. The oven will help maintain the crispy exterior.
You can also reheat in the microwave but the texture won’t be as crisp. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions for Breaded Chicken
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving baked breaded chicken. Some delicious options include:
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Chicken sandwiches with pickles, lettuce, and sauce on a bun
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Over a fresh salad or pasta salad
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Alongside mashed potatoes or rice and roasted veggies
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On top of a pizza
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In wraps or tacos
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On nachos or baked potatoes
Get creative with toppings, sauces, and sides based on your tastes!
Breadcrumb Alternatives and Coating Ideas
While traditional breadcrumbs are classic, consider trying these tasty breading variations:
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Panko breadcrumbs – coarser crumbs that crisps well
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Crushed cornflakes or potato chips
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Flavored breadcrumbs with Italian herbs, garlic, Parmesan
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Crushed crackers like Ritz for a buttery flavor
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Toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist
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Crushed nuts like pecan or almonds
Mix and match flavors to invent your own signature chicken coating!
Cooking Bone-In Chicken and Other Cuts
While boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal, you can bread and bake bone-in chicken parts as well. They may just require 5-10 extra minutes in the oven since the bone conducts less heat.
Chicken thighs and legs have more fat and connective tissue so they generally take longer to cook than breasts, but are worth the extra time for the rich flavor and tenderness.
Key Takeaways
Cooking breaded chicken in the oven takes a little finesse, but is easy once you know the tricks:
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For best results, pound chicken to an even thickness and remove excess moisture before breading.
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Bake at 400°F based on thickness, from 18-32 minutes typically.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Allow to rest before serving so the juices redistribute evenly.
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Adjust cook time slightly for frozen, bone-in, or different ovens.
Master these simple techniques and you’ll be enjoying perfectly crispy, juicy baked breaded chicken in no time. Now go unleash your inner chicken frying skills!
How do you bread chicken thighs?
You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breast. Just pound out, bread, and fry in a similar fashion.
How to Bread Chicken
- Put a piece of plastic wrap around the whole cutting board. Add chicken breasts. One breast at a time, put your palm on top of the breast and cut it in half lengthwise to make two cutlets. Repeat with the second breast.
- Line up all four cutlets in a single layer on the cutting board that has been covered with plastic wrap. Cover with a second piece of plastic wrap. Pound chicken cutlets to an even thickness, about 1/4-inch. Take the cutlets out of the top layer of plastic wrap and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, add flour. In a second shallow dish, add eggs and beat lightly. To make the third dish, put the panko, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper in it and stir them together. One cutlet at a time, coat it in flour and shake off the extra. Dip in eggs, and then tap the dish on the side to get rid of the extra. Add to panko mixture and press gently until crumbs adhere. Transfer to a large plate and repeat with remaining cutlets.
- Put three layers of paper towels on a large plate or baking sheet with a rim. Heat the last cup of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. One side at a time, add two cutlets and fry until they are deep golden brown and fully cooked. Drain the cutlets well on a plate lined with paper towels. Do this again with the other two cutlets.
Crispy Breaded Chicken in the Oven
FAQ
How long do you bake breaded chicken for?
Breaded chicken typically requires 20-30 minutes of baking time in a 400°F oven. However, the exact cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, as well as the specific recipe.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
How long do you cook uncooked breaded chicken?
Most breaded uncooked chicken requires a cook time of around 20 minutes in a 400°F oven, but that varies depending on the size, type and brand of chicken, so always read the instructions.
How long to heat breaded chicken in the oven?
How to Reheat Fried Chicken in the OvenPreheat your oven to 400 degrees and let the chicken sit out for 10 to 30 minutes for it to come closer to room temperature. Put a wire rack on top of sheet pan and then place the chicken on top. Bake the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is thoroughly heated through.