Oven Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden oven fried chicken gives you all the comfort of fried chicken but with less oil. This lighter take keeps the coating crunchy and flavorful, perfect for sandwiches, dinners, or pairing with veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crunchy, satisfying texture without deep frying

• Uses simple pantry ingredients like panko and Parmesan

• Oven baking means less mess and less fat

• Works well for family meals or batch cooking

• Versatile: great with dipping sauces, over salads, or with sides

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooking spray

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 egg, whisked

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each), sliced in half lengthwise (makes 8 thin pieces)

• Olive oil, for drizzling

directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.

4. Dip each chicken piece into the egg to coat completely.

5. Dredge the egg-coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere.

6. Arrange each breaded piece on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra crispness.

8. Bake for 15 minutes. Then flip each piece and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 pieces
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: ~30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per piece (estimated)

Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you want juicier meat (adjust bake time accordingly)

• Swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese or omit it if avoiding dairy

• Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for more flavor

• Use whole‑wheat breadcrumbs for more fiber

• Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice or hot sauce for a flavor boost

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

• To reheat, use the oven (350°F / 175°C) for 10‑15 minutes to restore crispiness

• Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust too much

FAQs

What’s the best way to slice the chicken so it cooks evenly?

Slice the breasts lengthwise to create thinner, more even pieces; this helps them cook through without drying.

Can I make this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes — use gluten-free panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that Parmesan (or cheese substitute) is gluten‑free.

Will the chicken be dry if I reduce the oil or skip the drizzle?

Possibly. The drizzle helps crisp the crust. If you omit it, just watch the chicken closely to avoid overbaking.

Can I prep ahead of time?

Yes. Bread the chicken and store it on the baking sheet covered in the fridge; bake when ready.

How can I make the crust extra crunchy?

Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and make sure the oven is fully preheated. Also, don’t crowd the baking sheet.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, a hard cheese with similar melting/grating properties (like a vegetarian hard cheese if avoiding rennet) works; or you can omit cheese entirely.

What side dishes go well with this?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green salad, steamed broccoli, or coleslaw all pair well.

Is this recipe low in fat compared to fried chicken?

Yes — baking uses much less oil than frying, especially if you use lean chicken breast and minimal drizzle.

Can I cook this in an air fryer instead of the oven?

Yes, you can air fry at around 400°F (200°C) for about 10‑12 minutes, flipping halfway — but watch for browning and doneness.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer: 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The crust should be golden and the juices should run clear.

Conclusion

Oven fried chicken delivers on the crunch, flavor, and comfort of traditional fried chicken — without the heavy oil. It’s an easy, cleaner version that works anytime you want something crispy and satisfying. Perfect with dipping sauce or simply enjoyed on its own.

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