The Panko Chicken is the ultimate blend of crispy texture and tender, juicy chicken, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. The golden panko crust adds a satisfying crunch that’s perfectly complemented by the soft, flavorful chicken inside.
The dish is simple to prepare and perfect for pairing with a variety of sides. You can serve it with a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The crispy exterior keeps the chicken juicy and tender, and the Parmesan cheese adds a savory, cheesy finish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, Panko Chicken is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the flour.
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Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, followed by the egg wash, and then coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
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Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Choose Panko for Your Chicken?
Panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb that are lighter, crispier, and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs. Their texture is perfect for creating a crunchy coating that doesn’t become soggy when baked. They allow the chicken to retain its moisture, making the inside tender and juicy, while the outside becomes irresistibly crispy. The use of panko creates a contrast that enhances the overall eating experience, giving your chicken a satisfying crunch that’s hard to beat.
Essential Ingredients for Panko Chicken
The base of this recipe is made up of only a few simple ingredients: chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and a few pantry staples like flour, salt, and pepper. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika for additional flavor. Dijon mustard and optional hot sauce give the chicken a little tang and spice. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, from ensuring the coating sticks to adding depth of flavor, making this recipe both delicious and easy to prepare.
How to Make Panko Chicken?
The beauty of Panko Chicken lies in its simplicity. The first step is to prepare your chicken breasts by patting them dry and slicing them into thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and ensures they remain tender. Next, you dredge the chicken in a flour mixture, followed by an egg wash, and then coat it in the crispy panko mixture, which includes Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and other seasonings. This process creates a golden crust that will bake perfectly in the oven.
Instead of frying the chicken, which can make a mess and add extra calories, Panko Chicken is baked on a wire rack in the oven. This method allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring that the breading becomes crisp on all sides without becoming soggy. The chicken is baked at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, signaling that it’s fully cooked.
Tips for the Perfect Panko Chicken
To achieve the best crispy results, there are a few tips to follow:
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Pat the chicken dry: Excess moisture on the chicken will create steam, making the breading less crispy.
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Use a wire rack: Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, promoting an even, crispy coating.
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Toast the panko: For an even crispier texture, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in butter before using them to coat the chicken. This adds extra flavor and ensures the crumbs don’t become too soft during baking.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, Panko Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispy texture. If you want to freeze the chicken for later, place the cooked cutlets on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziplock bag or airtight container, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Panko Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many sides. For a comforting meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or Parmesan risotto. To balance the richness of the chicken, you can add a side of roasted vegetables, like lemon Parmesan broccoli, which has a bright, acidic flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also makes for a great complement, providing a refreshing contrast to the crispy, savory chicken.
Why You Should Make Panko Chicken
One of the main reasons to make Panko Chicken is its simplicity and versatility. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it can also be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re using chicken tenders instead of breasts, adding different spices to the breadcrumb coating, or swapping in a gluten-free alternative, this recipe is adaptable to various dietary needs. Panko Chicken is also great for meal prep, as it stores well and can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
Panko Chicken is the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. It combines the flavors and textures we all love—crispy, crunchy, and tender—while being quick and easy to prepare. The baking method ensures you don’t have to deal with the mess of frying, and it’s healthier too. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or your favorite veggies, Panko Chicken is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s a great way to elevate your chicken dinners without much effort. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something crispy and comforting, give Panko Chicken a try—you won’t regret it!