Crisp & Juicy Panko-Crusted Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Crispy panko-crusted chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Crunchy coating meets tender meat in a perfect harmony of textures.

Forget bland chicken dinners that leave you uninspired.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical on your plate.

Lightweight Japanese breadcrumbs provide an irresistible golden exterior that cracks beautifully with each bite.

Home cooks can easily master this technique with a few smart tips.

We promise this dish will become your new go-to meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Crispy Additions For Panko Chicken

• Boost Flavor Pairings
• Elevate Zesty Citrus Sauce: Whip up a lemon-herb aioli with fresh parsley and garlic for a bright, tangy complement to the crispy chicken.
• Create Herbal Wine Match: Pour a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness and highlight the panko's delicate crunch.
• Design Fresh Side Harmony: Serve alongside a light cucumber salad with dill and red onion to balance the chicken's savory coating and add refreshing texture.
• Craft Mediterranean Twist: Add a Greek-inspired tzatziki dip with cucumber, yogurt, and mint to bring cool, creamy contrast to the golden chicken.

Panko Chicken Bread Crumbs Options

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace panko with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour for a crispy coating suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the panko mixture for an aromatic and flavorful chicken experience.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap panko with ground pork rinds or crushed pork rind crumbs to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crunchy texture.
• Spicy Kick Rendition: Incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the coating for those who enjoy a spicier chicken preparation.

FAQs

• Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier, lighter coating that stays crunchier longer compared to traditional breadcrumbs. They have a flakier texture and absorb less oil, resulting in a more delicate and crisp exterior.

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work perfectly. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more moisture and flavor. Just ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is it necessary to use all the spices in the panko mixture?

While each spice adds depth, you can adjust or omit based on personal preference. Garlic powder and salt are most crucial for enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken.

Panko Crusted Chicken That Stays Extra Crunchy

• Quick and Easy Meal Mastery: Create Crispy Delights
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Anyone can nail this recipe with simple step-by-step instructions, making it perfect for beginner and experienced home cooks.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Bake or pan-fry the chicken based on your kitchen setup, preference, or available equipment without compromising flavor or texture.
• Time-Saving Champion: Prepare this entire dish in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal planning.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the crunchy panko coating and customizable seasoning, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Crispy Crust on Panko Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides the main protein for the dish, choose boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy, flavorful outer layer, use Japanese-style panko for extra crunchiness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a smooth base for the coating, ensures better adherence of egg and breadcrumb mixture.
• Eggs, Milk: Act as a binding agent to help breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, provides moisture and richness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste profile, use fresh and high-quality spices for best results.

• Olive Oil, Cooking Spray: Provide lubrication for pan-frying or baking, help achieve golden brown exterior.

Method for Panko-Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Warm up your oven to a sizzling 400°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and ready to create a crunchy exterior.

Step 3: Set Up Dredging Stations

Arrange three shallow dishes:

First dish: Flour

Second dish: Whisk together eggs and milk

Third dish: Your prepared panko mixture

Step 4: Transform Chicken into Crispy Masterpiece

Take each chicken piece and transform it through three magical steps:

First, dust it generously with flour, shaking off any excess.

Next, give it a luxurious bath in the egg mixture.

Finally, press it firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring every inch gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Baking Method:

Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

Give a light spray of oil for extra crispiness.

Slide into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Flip halfway through to ensure even golden browning.

Pan-Frying Method:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken pieces and cook 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach complete doneness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your crispy chicken immediately.

Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance with joy!

Chicken Coating Tips For Crisp Panko Finish

• Press panko mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, even crust that stays crispy during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Lightly mist baked chicken with cooking spray to enhance golden-brown color and extra crispiness.
• Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version.
• Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to panko mixture for extra depth and aromatic profile.

Breaded Chicken That Returns Crispy With Oven Reheat

• Store leftover panko-crusted chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Restore crispiness by placing chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, heating at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• While convenient, microwaving can soften the crispy coating; if using, heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent dryness.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where they'll maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.

Panko-Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy panko-crusted chicken delivers golden perfection on your dinner plate, bringing restaurant-quality crunch right to your kitchen. Juicy chicken beneath a delicate, light breading promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean workspace and gather all necessary culinary tools for crafting crispy panko-crusted chicken.
2. Arrange three distinct shallow containers: one for flour seasoning, another for egg liquid mixture, and the final for crunchy panko coating blend.
3. Carefully dust each chicken piece with seasoned flour, ensuring complete yet light coverage by gently shaking off excess powder.
4. Immerse the floured chicken into whisked egg and milk combination, allowing complete moisture absorption without heavy saturation.
5. Transfer egg-coated chicken into panko mixture, pressing firmly to create an even, textured exterior that guarantees maximum crunchiness.
6. Select cooking method: oven-roasting or skillet-searing based on preference and available equipment.
7. For oven preparation, position breaded chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly misting with olive oil to enhance golden coloration.
8. Roast chicken in preheated 400°F oven, rotating midway through cooking cycle to ensure uniform browning and consistent internal temperature.
9. Alternatively, for stovetop technique, heat olive oil in heavy-bottomed skillet over medium temperature, carefully placing breaded chicken to achieve crisp, caramel-toned exterior.
10. Confirm chicken’s doneness through internal temperature reaching 165°F, verifying meat’s complete cooking without compromising moisture.
11. Allow briefly rested chicken to maintain its crisp coating, then plate alongside complementary dipping sauce or fresh accompaniments.

Notes

• Customize the seasoning by experimenting with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian blend to add unique flavor dimensions to the panko coating.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat, using a meat thermometer for precise checking.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, keeping the crispy texture intact.
• Prep chicken pieces uniformly to promote even cooking, using a meat mallet to pound chicken to consistent thickness before breading.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 532
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg