Welcome to a simple, delicious, and wholesome recipe that is sure to bring joy to your dinner table - Baked Panko Chicken Breasts! This dish combines the healthy benefits of lean chicken with the crunchy, savory goodness of panko breadcrumbs. Easy to make, yet brimming with flavor, this recipe is a delight for both the novice and experienced home chef. The panko-coated chicken breasts are baked to golden perfection, offering a healthier alternative to frying.
Whether you're planning a casual family meal or a fancy dinner party, this baked panko chicken breast is a versatile choice that always hits the right note.
Why This Recipe Works
Firstly, the combination of panko breadcrumbs and flavorful seasonings creates an irresistible crust that offers a delightful contrast to the tender, juicy chicken breast. Panko breadcrumbs, being lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, absorb less oil, resulting in a crisper, healthier coating. The perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture clings to the chicken, adding a layer of tantalizing textures and tastes that transform the simple chicken breast into a gourmet delight.
Secondly, the method of baking, as opposed to frying, plays a crucial role in this recipe. Baking allows the chicken to cook evenly, ensuring it's tender and juicy on the inside while the panko crust turns deliciously crispy on the outside. This cooking method also makes the recipe healthier by significantly reducing the amount of oil used. Plus, baking frees up your hands for other tasks, making this recipe a wonderful, low-fuss choice for busy weeknight dinners. The baked panko chicken breast recipe strikes the ideal balance between healthy eating and indulgent dining, proving that delicious meals don't need to be complicated.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and evenly. If not available, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good substitute.
Panko Breadcrumbs- These are Japanese-style breadcrumbs known for their light, crispy texture. If you can't find Panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, though they won't be as crispy.
Eggs- Used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. If you have an egg allergy, milk or a flour and water mixture can be used instead.
Flour-This is used to coat the chicken before the egg and breadcrumbs. It helps to create a crispy crust. You can substitute with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
Spices- This includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other spices you'd like to use for flavor. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite spice blend.
Tips
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Double-dip in the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a thicker, crispier coating.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; this can cause the chicken to steam rather than crisp up.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet for extra crispy chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into it to keep it juicy.
How to serve
Baked Panko Chicken Breasts are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They are delicious on their own with a simple side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. They can be sliced and served atop a Caesar salad or tucked into a crusty baguette for a tasty sandwich.
- For a family dinner, serve the chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional, comforting meal.
- Alternatively, slice the chicken and serve it on a bed of pasta with a light lemon garlic sauce.
- For a healthier twist, use the chicken to top a bowl of quinoa and roasted vegetables, drizzled with a Greek yogurt dressing.
Similar Recipes
Baked Panko Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- Salt pepper, garlic powder, and other desired spices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, then coat in Panko breadcrumbs.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Double-dip in the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a thicker, crispier coating.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; this can cause the chicken to steam rather than crisp up.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet for extra crispy chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into it to keep it juicy.