Crusty Oven-Fried Chicken
Crispy oven-fried chicken with a flavorful Parmesan crust offers a deliciously crunchy exterior and tender meat, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl. Add chopped parsley, if desired.
- Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels.
- Dip each chicken breast in melted butter, then dredge in the bread crumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, use panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Romano or add spices such as paprika for a kick. If you're out of fresh parsley, dried herbs like Italian seasoning can work in a pinch. For a flavor boost, marinate the chicken in buttermilk before coating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crusty oven-fried chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken Casserole for a comforting family dinner. A dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard can add an extra flavor dimension.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty Oven-Fried Chicken contains roughly 300 calories, with 17g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2019mg per serving (88% 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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but keep in mind it may not be as crispy as skinless. The skin might retain some moisture, so you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken cooks through.
What can I substitute for butter?
If you need a substitute for butter, you can use olive oil or melted coconut oil. Both will give a different flavor but will still help the bread crumbs adhere to the chicken nicely.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread crumbs made from rice or cornstarch. Additionally, ensure that any other ingredients like the Parmesan cheese are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
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).