When you’re craving a quick and delicious meal at home, panko crusted chicken breast is a perfect option. With its crispy and crunchy texture on the outside and juicy and moist chicken on the inside, this recipe brings a satisfying balance of flavors. You can make it using either the pan fry or bake method in the oven, both of which yield great results. The panko breading, combined with parmesan cheese and a blend of spices, creates a flavorful coating that’s simply irresistible.
For a healthier twist, try substituting panko with crushed rice cereal squares for a gluten-free version. Whether you’re making strips or using whole chicken breast, this recipe is super quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights when you want a homemade meal instead of restaurant takeout. Add a little mayonnaise to the breading for extra flavor and to help the coating stick, or dip it in marinara sauce for that chicken parmesan vibe. With tender, flavorful, and golden crusted chicken, this dish will soon become one of your favorite foods.
Panko Crusted Chicken Breast-The Short Answer
Essential Ingredients for the Recipe
To prepare panko crusted chicken breast, make sure to gather these key ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is the foundation of the recipe, providing the lean protein.
- All-purpose flour: This helps create a light coating on the chicken before the egg and breadcrumbs.
- Egg: Used to help the plain panko breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Plain panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs will give the chicken its crispy, crunchy texture.
- Fresh grated parmesan cheese: Adds flavor and a bit of richness to the crust.
Seasoning and Flavoring
To ensure the chicken is full of flavor, you’ll need the following seasonings:
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper: These basic seasonings create the perfect balance of flavors.
- Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning: You can add either of these for an extra kick of flavor in the breadcrumb mixture.
Cooking and Preparation
Once you have all the ingredients, it’s time to cook. For the best results:
- Extra virgin olive oil and butter: Use these for frying the chicken. The olive oil adds a healthy touch, while the butter gives a rich flavor and helps the chicken brown nicely.
- 1 ½ teaspoons of fine sea salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper will help season the breadcrumbs and the chicken itself for even flavor throughout.
Quantities to Follow
Make sure to follow these measurements for consistent results:
- 1 cup of plain panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg to coat the chicken
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter for cooking
- 1 ½ teaspoons of fine sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- Marinara sauce for serving (optional)
Larger Batch Consideration
If you’re making more servings, use:
- 2 pounds of chicken (about 3 large chicken breasts)
- 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ Tablespoons of parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese if you prefer a cheesier crust
These are all the necessary ingredients and quantities to create the delicious panko crusted chicken breast that’s sure to impress!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making panko crusted chicken breasts is easier than it sounds and results in a deliciously crispy meal. Let’s break down the steps for a perfect, golden brown crust.
1. Preparing the Chicken
Start with chicken breasts. If you’re working with thicker pieces, you can easily make them thinner by gently pounding them with a rolling pin or a meat pounder. Aim for ½-inch thick pieces, which will ensure they cook evenly. If you’re using thin chicken cutlets, you can skip this step. Once your chicken breasts are ready, you’re all set to begin the breading process.
2. Setting Up the Breading Stations
To create a perfect crust, you’ll need three shallow plates for your breading stations.
- Plate 1: Combine flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. This will be your dry coating.
- Plate 2: Beat an egg with a splash of water. This helps the crumbs stick to the chicken.
- Plate 3: Mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. This will form the crispy outer layer.
Take your chicken breasts and first coat them in the flour mixture, then dip them into the egg mixture, and finally press them into the panko mixture. Make sure each side is evenly coated for that perfect crispy texture.
3. Cooking the Chicken
Once your chicken breasts are breaded, it’s time to cook them. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add cooking oil and butter for extra flavor. Once the pan is hot, add your chicken breasts. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which is the perfect safe cooking temperature for chicken. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy.
4. Baking Option
If you prefer a healthier version or want to avoid frying, you can bake the panko crusted chicken. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place your breaded chicken breasts on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake them for 12-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For an even crispier texture, you can increase the temperature to 425°F and bake for 8-12 minutes. Once done, allow the chicken to rest on a cooling rack for 2-3 minutes before serving.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly crispy panko crusted chicken breasts every time!
Best Tips For Success
For the best panko crusted chicken breast, start with chicken breasts that have an even thickness. If needed, use a meat pounder to pound them to the right size, avoiding thick or thin parts. When preparing the breading, make sure to use fresh grated parmesan cheese—it might stretch your budget, but it’s worth it. You can either buy a block of parmesan cheese and grate it yourself or get it from the specialty cheese section at your grocery store. Be mindful of the heat while cooking, as panko breadcrumbs can burn easily if it’s too high. Stick to medium heat or medium-low heat, and don’t hesitate to adjust temperature as necessary during the cooking process. To season the breadcrumbs, you can choose Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning, depending on your flavor preference—whichever you select will make your dish delicious.
Notes & Nutrition
Key Cooking Notes
When making panko crusted chicken breast, there are some important steps to ensure the coating sticks and the chicken cooks properly. Start by making sure the chicken is fully coated in the egg wash before pressing it into the panko breadcrumbs. This ensures that the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken. If you skip this step, the breadcrumbs won’t stick, and you won’t get that crunchy coating that makes this dish so delicious.
Next, it’s crucial to manage the heat in your skillet carefully. If the heat is too high, the panko can burn quickly, ruining the texture. Instead, keep your heat at medium-low, which will help the breadcrumbs get crispy without overcooking. You might need to adjust the heat slightly down halfway through the cooking process if you find the skillet is getting too hot.
Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s the nutrition info you can expect for 1 serving of panko crusted chicken breast:
- Calories: 341kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 1306mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
This dish provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, which makes it a satisfying meal. The 31g of protein per serving is perfect for anyone looking to fuel their muscles, while the 26g of carbohydrates offer just the right amount of energy for your day. While it is higher in sodium (1306mg), it’s important to be mindful of your daily intake, especially if you’re trying to reduce salt consumption.
Other nutrients like calcium (19mg), iron (1mg), and potassium (306mg) are present, adding some additional health benefits. The 0g of dietary fiber and the low sugar content (1g) also make this a relatively healthy choice.
Quick Nutritional Snapshot
- Total Fat: 18g (22% of your daily value)
- Saturated Fat: 3g (15% of your daily value)
- Cholesterol: 112mg (37%)
- Sodium: 546mg (24%)
- Protein: 31g (62%)
- Vitamin C: 1mg (2%)
- Calcium: 19mg (1%)
- Iron: 1mg (6%)
- Potassium: 306mg (7%)
These percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, which is standard for most adults. Keep in mind that your specific daily values might vary depending on your age, health goals, and activity levels.
Variations You Can Try
As a food enthusiast, I am trying my best to tell you all homemade recipes that you can enjoy at minimum cost and hygienic. I am giving you my other recipes which are related to Chef’s Special. Some other recipes are giving below:
Say Goodbye to Dry Chicken with This Baked Breast Recipe
Unlock the Secret to Perfect Korean Soy Garlic Chicken!
No Cream Cheese? No Problem! Buffalo Chicken Dip That Rocks!
The Secret to Crispy Fried Chicken Breast – Try This Recipe!
I hope you will visit all these recipes and enjoy my recipes because it will boosts your craze for homemade products which are better than restaurant products. I also bet that when you try first time it will boost your taste and you will become addictive to these recipes.
FAQs
How Do You Get Panko To Stick To Chicken?
To make panko stick to chicken breast, smear a thin layer of mayonnaise or use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. Press the coated side of the chicken into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture for a perfect crust.
Did You Know You Can Get Breading to Stick to Chicken Without Eggs?
Yes! You can use mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt instead of eggs. These substitutes help the breading stick to the chicken, creating a crispy, flavorful coating.
Can Panko Be Used In The Oven?
Yes! Panko breadcrumbs can be used in the oven to make crispy chicken. They turn golden and crunchy, making them an ideal choice for baked panko crusted chicken breast.
What Is the Secret to Perfect Panko Chicken?
The secret is a well-seasoned breading station with flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs. Let the chicken rest after breading, and fry it in batches over medium-high heat for the perfect crispy crust.
How Do You Make Panko Extra Crispy?
To make panko extra crispy, toast the breadcrumbs in butter or olive oil. Add parmesan and a pinch of salt for a golden, crunchy topping that’s perfect for meal-prep.
What Kind of Seasoning Should You Use for Panko?
Season panko breadcrumbs with thyme, basil, ginger, or chile heat for an exciting ingredient. These seasoned breadcrumbs bring great flavour to your panko crusted chicken breast.
Do I Need Eggs for Breaded Chicken?
No, you don’t need eggs. Use buttermilk, milk, or ranch dressing as substitutes for a moisture-rich coating. A flour dredge is also an option for a lighter breading.
