Oven Fried Chicken Breasts
Crispy oven-fried chicken breasts with a flavorful coating of crushed Special K, Parmesan, garlic, and pepper, offering a healthier alternative with a crunchy texture perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a broiler pan rack with nonstick spray (Pam).
- Crush Special K on a piece of wax paper with a rolling pin.
- Pour crushed Special K into a plastic or paper bag and add garlic powder, ground black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread mayonnaise on both sides of each chicken breast.
- Place a chicken breast in the bag with the mixture and shake to cover it evenly.
- Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared broiler rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes.
- When done, turn on the broiler for additional browning, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the crushed Special K mix. If you're out of Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast can serve as a great substitute for a similar taste. For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of Special K. Remember, the key to a crispy coating is ensuring the mayonnaise is evenly spread on the chicken before coating it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven fried chicken breasts alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Easy Green Vegetable Casserole for a comforting dinner. For a hearty addition, consider serving with mashed potatoes or quinoa. A light dipping sauce, like honey mustard, can also elevate the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover oven fried chicken can be stored 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 for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain the crispiness of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Fried Chicken Breasts contains roughly 250 calories, with 8g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% 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 breasts, but keep in mind that the skin will add extra fat and calories. If you prefer a healthier version, the skinless option is recommended as it allows the coating to crisp up beautifully without excess grease.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, Greek yogurt works well and adds a creamy texture. You can also try using a mix of mustard and olive oil for a tangy flavor. Just ensure that whatever substitute you choose is spreadable to coat the chicken evenly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this oven fried chicken gluten-free, substitute the crushed Special K with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they meet gluten-free standards, particularly the mayonnaise.
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).