Baking panko-crusted chicken breast is a quick and easy way to enjoy the crispy crunch of fried chicken without all the added fat and calories With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can have a deliciously baked panko chicken breast ready in under 30 minutes
What is Panko Breadcrumb Coating?
Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs known for being extra crispy and crunchy. They have a light flaky texture that gets nice and crispy when baked. The panko coating gives baked chicken breasts that signature crunchy crust you get from deep fried chicken.
Why Bake Panko Chicken Breasts?
Panko breadcrumbs on chicken breasts that have been baked give them the crispy exterior of fried chicken without the need for a lot of oil. Baking helps the panko get really crispy on the outside while the chicken stays juicy and tender on the inside.
Compared to frying chicken, baking panko chicken breasts is:
- Healthier – uses little to no oil so it’s lower in fat and calories
- Quicker – no heating and cleaning up gallons of frying oil
- Easier – simply coat and bake right on a sheet pan
- More weeknight friendly – quick baking method
How Long to Bake Panko Chicken Breasts
Panko chicken breasts should be baked at 400°F (205°C) for 15 to 18 minutes. This makes the outside of the chicken golden and crispy and makes sure it’s fully cooked inside to 165°F (74°C).
The baking time may be a little different depending on how thick the chicken is and how crunchy you want the coating to be. Thicker breasts may take closer to 18 minutes. Bake for 18 minutes if you want the crust to be extra crispy.
Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to guarantee doneness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Panko Chicken Breasts
Baking juicy panko chicken breasts with a super crispy crust is simple with this easy method:
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika)
Directions
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To get the chicken ready, pat it dry and cut it into cutlets that are about 1/2 inch thick. Pound to a even thickness if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
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Set up breading station: Whisk eggs in one bowl. Mix panko, paprika, salt, and pepper in a second bowl.
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Bread the chicken: Dip chicken cutlets in egg, then press into the panko mixture, coating both sides.
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Bake: Place breaded chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
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Serve and enjoy! Slice up the crispy panko chicken breast and serve with your favorite sauces or sides.
Tips
- Use flavorful seasonings in the panko like garlic powder, chili powder, or cayenne for extra flavor.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil or melted butter before baking for even more crispiness.
- Bake the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to help air circulate under the chicken as it cooks.
Panko Chicken Breast Recipes to Try
Once you get the basic baking method down, you can easily adapt it to all kinds of delicious panko chicken recipes:
- Panko Parmesan Chicken – add grated Parmesan to the panko for extra flavor
- Buffalo Panko Chicken – toss cooked panko chicken in Buffalo wing sauce
- Ranch Panko Chicken – serve crispy panko chicken with creamy ranch dressing for dipping
- Panko Chicken Fingers – cut chicken breasts into strips and bake into crispy chicken fingers
The possibilities are endless for how to season and sauce these crunchy baked panko chicken breasts!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep panko chicken crispy after baking?
Let the baked panko chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting to help the crust stay crispy. Avoid steaming or microwaving the chicken, which can make it soggy.
Can you bake uncooked panko chicken from frozen?
Yes, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Bake frozen uncooked panko chicken about 23-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long does baked panko chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored, baked panko chicken will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven until heated through for a crispy crust.
For Delicious Crispy Panko Chicken, Just Bake It!
Baking chicken breasts coated in ultra-crispy Japanese panko breadcrumbs gives you all the crunchy joy of fried chicken in way less time. In around 30 minutes, you can be enjoying juicy chicken encased in a crispy, golden crust. Just be sure to bake panko chicken for 15-18 minutes at 400°F to ensure it cooks through fully while keeping the coating nice and crispy. Give this easy baking method a try for your new go-to weeknight dinner!
