Crispy Baked Chicken
Crispy Baked Chicken offers a flavorful, crunchy coating with a hint of spice, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The seasoned bread crumb crust complements tender chicken pieces baked to perfection, providing a satisfying meal with bold flavors and crispy texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, celery seed, and cayenne in a bowl.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Brush each chicken piece with margarine.
- Roll the chicken pieces in the crumb mixture to coat well.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces, skin side up, in a shallow baking pan so they do not touch.
- Sprinkle any remaining crumb mixture over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 50 minutes or until tender, without turning.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crispiness, consider using panko bread crumbs instead of fine dry bread crumbs. If you want to cut down on fat, you can substitute the margarine with a light cooking spray. Add a touch of paprika for a smoky flavor. Marinating the chicken in your favorite seasonings for a few hours before coating can enhance the taste significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crispy baked chicken with a side of Layered Vegetable Salad for a refreshing contrast. Mashed potatoes or coleslaw also make great accompaniments. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Flavored Pretzels as a fun snack. Drizzle some Hot Pepper Relish on the side for an added kick!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crispy baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps to retain the crispiness of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crispy Baked Chicken contains roughly 136 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1301mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
While skinless chicken can be used, the skin helps create a crispy texture that enhances the dish. If you prefer skinless, consider adjusting the cooking time and possibly adding more margarine to maintain moisture.
What can I do if I don't have all the spices?
If you lack some spices, you can use a store-bought seasoning blend like Cajun or Italian seasoning as a substitute. Just be cautious with the amount, as these blends can be stronger. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This crispy baked chicken is great for meal prep. Prepare and bake the chicken, then store it in portions for easy access during the week. Reheating will keep it delicious and crispy, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).