Easy Oven Baked Crispy Breaded Chicken

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Making Homemade Breadcrumbs 2.1 Using Toasted Bread 2.2 Using Store-Bought Breadcrumbs
3. Preparing the Chicken 3.1 Flattening the Chicken Thighs 3.2 Making Garlic Mayo
4. Breading and Baking the Chicken 4.1 Preparing the Breadcrumbs 4.2 Coating the Chicken 4.3 Baking the Chicken
5. Serving and Enjoying the Crispy Breaded Chicken
6. Conclusion

How to Make Crispy Breaded Chicken in the Oven

Are you looking for a quick and mess-free way to make crispy breaded chicken? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through step-by-step instructions on how to make delicious crispy breaded chicken in the oven. With just a few simple ingredients and some handy tips, you'll have a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner.

1. Introduction

When it comes to making breaded chicken, most recipes call for frying, which can be messy and time-consuming. However, we've come up with a method that skips the frying and instead bakes the chicken in the oven. This not only saves you from dealing with hot oil but also results in a healthier and less greasy dish.

2. Making Homemade Breadcrumbs

Before we dive into the recipe, let's first talk about breadcrumbs. While you can always use store-bought breadcrumbs, making your own adds a special touch to the dish. Here are two methods for making breadcrumbs:

2.1 Using Toasted Bread

If you have leftover toasted bread, don't let it go to waste! Simply process the toasted bread in a food processor until you get coarse crumbs. Heat up a pan, add the bread crumbs, and stir until they become dry. Let them cool and then process them again along with dried herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. The result? Fragrant and flavorful homemade breadcrumbs.

2.2 Using Store-Bought Breadcrumbs

If you don't have time to make breadcrumbs from scratch, store-bought ones work just fine. Heat a pan with a little oil and toast the breadcrumbs for a few minutes to give them some color and enhance their taste.

3. Preparing the Chicken

Now that we have our breadcrumbs ready, it's time to prepare the chicken. Here's what you need to do:

3.1 Flattening the Chicken Thighs

Start by washing four boneless skinless chicken thighs and patting them dry. Place the chicken on a cutting board lined with plastic wrap and cover them with another piece of plastic wrap. Pound the chicken until it becomes flat and even. Don't worry too much about the exact thickness; it should look about double the size you started with. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and allows for a crispy texture.

3.2 Making Garlic Mayo

Next, let's make a delicious garlic mayo to slather on the chicken. In a bowl, grate garlic cloves and mix them with mayonnaise and ground black pepper. If you're a garlic lover, you can even use this mayo as a dip on its own. Make sure to cover the chicken all over with the garlic mayo, as it helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

4. Breading and Baking the Chicken

With the chicken prepped and ready, it's time to bread and bake it to perfection. Follow these steps:

4.1 Preparing the Breadcrumbs

Take a sheet pan with a rack on top and oil the rack or use a non-stick spray. Place the breadcrumbs on a large plate to avoid making a mess on your counter.

4.2 Coating the Chicken

Dip each chicken thigh into the breadcrumbs, making sure to press the crumbs firmly on both sides of the chicken. For the last piece, add a little more breadcrumbs as needed. Avoid adding all the breadcrumbs at once to prevent wastage.

4.3 Baking the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken on the rack of the sheet pan. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 218 degrees Celsius. Bake the chicken in the middle rack of your oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and the crust turns golden and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.

5. Serving and Enjoying the Crispy Breaded Chicken

Once the chicken is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the crispy breaded chicken alongside your favorite sides like roasted potatoes and sautéed vegetables. The meat will be tender and flavorful, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

6. Conclusion

Making crispy breaded chicken in the oven is a game-changer. You can enjoy the deliciousness of breaded chicken without the mess and health concerns of frying. With our easy-to-follow steps and homemade breadcrumbs, this recipe is a winner for quick weeknight dinners or any time you crave some crispy goodness.