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Crispy Bread Crumb Chicken

crispy bread crumb chicken - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy bread crumb chicken with a juicy, tender inside. Perfect for busy weeknights and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1.5 cups (150 g) plain bread crumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Set up the breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the bread crumb mixture to combine well.
  3. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Press into the bread crumb mixture, coating thoroughly. For extra crunch, double dip by repeating the egg and bread crumb steps once more.
  4. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 350°F / 175°C).
  5. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
  6. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crisp. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep chicken crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Double breading helps keep the coating intact. For a dairy-free option, omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs. Baking alternative: bake at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, bread crumb chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, fried chicken, weeknight dinner