Craving the crunch of fried chicken but want something healthier? This Oven Fried Chicken is crispy, full of flavor, and so simple to make—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
What is Oven Fried Chicken?
Oven fried chicken is a lighter take on the traditional fried chicken recipe, delivering all the crunchy goodness without the need for deep frying. By baking the chicken in the oven, you can achieve that golden, crispy crust with just a drizzle of oil and a flavorful breadcrumb coating. This technique gives you all the satisfaction of fried chicken but with fewer calories and less mess.
This recipe uses panko bread crumbs for extra crunch, along with parmesan and a blend of seasonings that adds layers of flavor to each bite. By baking at a high temperature, the chicken gets perfectly crisp on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy “fried” chicken without the extra grease!
Ingredients You Need
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Slice these in half lengthwise for quick cooking and even breading.
- Panko Bread Crumbs – We love panko because it adds an airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs don’t have.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan melts into the breading, adding a rich, savory flavor to the breading.
- Dried Italian Seasoning – This mix of herbs gives the chicken its savory depth.
- Paprika – This spice adds a hint of warmth and color to the breading and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Egg – The egg is whisked and used to coat the chicken and help the breading stick.
- Olive Oil – A light drizzle adds extra crispiness to the breaded chicken as it bakes.
- Cooking Spray – Use this to lightly coat your baking sheet so that the chicken doesn’t stick as it bakes.
How to Make Oven Fried Chicken
- Prepare the Breading. Add the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and paprika to a bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
- Coat the Chicken in Egg. In another bowl, whisk the egg and dip each piece of chicken to coat thoroughly.
- Bread the Chicken. Dredge each egg-coated chicken piece in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Chicken. Pour a small amount of olive oil over each chicken piece to help them crisp up. Bake, then flip halfway through to make sure both sides get golden and crispy.
Variations
- Cheese – Try grated cheddar or pecorino for a different cheesy twist on the breading.
- Spice – Mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicier version of this crispy chicken.
- Fresh Herbs – Finely chopped parsley or basil in the breading adds a fresh, bright flavor.
- Buttermilk – For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk before breading.
- Gluten-Free – Substitute gluten-free panko bread crumbs for a gluten-friendly meal.
- Thighs – Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.
- Lemon Zest – Grate a little lemon zest into the breading for a subtle citrusy note.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! However, stored leftovers may lose some of their crispiness as they sit. Pop them in the oven or air fryer to reheat.
Refrigerate any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the breaded chicken pieces individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months.
Common Questions about Oven Fried Chicken
To keep the chicken crispy, use a wire rack on your baking sheet so the air circulates around each piece as it bakes. You can also do this in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the chicken warm before serving.
You may wind up with soggy breading if you don’t first pat the chicken dry before breading it.
While we don’t take this step in this recipe, you can dredge the chicken in flour before breading. That can help to keep the moisture in the chicken.
Foil does not make chicken crispy. In order to get the best crispy results, the chicken should be cooked uncovered in the oven.
More Chicken Recipes
On the search for more easy chicken recipes? Take a look at these favorites!
Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg whisked
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 8 ounces each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
Prep the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.Cooking spray
Prepare the Breading:
- In a bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Whisk the egg and add the chicken pieces to coat the chicken completely.1 cup panko bread crumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 egg, 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Bread the Chicken:
- Take each chicken and coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Bake the Chicken:
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over each chicken piece. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cooked through and reached an internal temp of 165°F.Olive oil
