Easy Panko Baked Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe in 25 mins

This panko baked oven-fried chicken recipe is the perfect alternative for the regular dish.

You will still be able to feel the comforting taste without having to clean that oily mess, put your stomach to extra work for digestion or taking a shower after frying the meat because your hair smells like French fries. 

And trust me, those chicken bites will simply melt in your mouth!

My Grandma Used to Cook Breaded Chicken All the Time

When we went to visit her, the first question that came out of our mouths was: “What did you cook for today?” She was usually preparing some mashed potatoes as a side dish. I remember that my mother only made me grilled or baked chicken because I had eaten too much fried at her parents.

This is the reason I was always craving for it.

And I still do! That’s why I had to find a way to adapt that calorie and fat-loaded recipe. My excuse is that I want to enjoy it from time to time as it brings sweet memories of my grandparents’ house.

The oven fried chicken is even suitable for dieting because it doesn’t contain so many saturated fats. Not even one drop of oil is needed for cooking it. Those of you who are gluten intolerant or suffer from the celiac disease may omit the Panko breadcrumbs and use only corn meal.

Sometimes It May Seem Hard to Cook Meals at Home. Try A Panko Baked Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

Most of us are extremely busy and don’t find enough time to juggle between work, daily chores, hobbies and preparing nutritious meals. If kids are involved in this equation, everything becomes even more complicated.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of accessible recipes out there. They don’t require much of your precious time and will deliver a lot of nutrients to your body. Home-cooked meals contain a lot of healthy ingredients like fibers, vitamins and minerals. All these nutrients contribute to your wellbeing.

So this slight effort is worthy. Likewise, you don’t need a very well equipped kitchen to cook baked fried chicken. An oven and a baking tray are more than enough.

A truly important thing when cooking at home is to have fun. Keep in mind that it is possible to make mistakes, even ruin an entire recipe. However, it is not the case of baked fried chicken since it is so easy to prepare. But if and only if this happens, an old saying states that there is no need to cry over spilt milk. Or a smashed recipe.

First time I cooked Panko...

The panko baked oven-fried chicken a huge omlette came out of the oven. There were several reasons for that. I first coated the meat slices with breadcrumbs and only after that soaked them in beaten eggs. I also forgot to ditch the excess moist.

I placed the tray in the oven and waited for half an hour, genuinely excited to see how my chicken looks like. And then I opened the oven and stared at the baking tray in confusion because

I couldn’t tell where one chicken piece ended and the other ones started.

So I’ve Had My Share of Ruined Recipes...

The important thing is to keep going with or without the errors, crushed dishes, fabulous and delicious results.

This crispy baked breaded chicken keeps all its aroma while the meat remains tender and soft. Instead of using at least half of cup of vegetable oil you will only have to line a baking tray with parchment paper. This recipe is also a time savior because there is no need of closely watching over the oven. Just place the tray inside, set a timer and mind the things you want or need to do.

Oven fried chicken is a type of food that requires only a few ingredients so it can be cooked with whatever you have in your cupboard.

What I’m Trying to Say is

What Coating Should You Use?

Panko breadcrumbs are perfect for the outer layer.

Often used in Japanese cuisine, Panko is a type of unconventional bread used for coating foods to be fried. This bread is baked in electrical oven and has no crust.

It has an airy texture and does not absorb much oil or grease. However, I also like to add one or two tablespoons of corn meal.

It has a rough texture and will bring more “crunchiness” to your chicken. This addition is not mandatory and the lack of it won’t ruin the end result.

How to Make Baked Breaded Chicken?

First of all, make sure you wash your hands with water and soap before starting to prepare any meal.

Do not rinse the meat. Chicken can be contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, its juices may corrupt kitchen utensils, other foods or countertops.

Specialists tell that you use a separate cutting board for this type of meat. Another tip is to be sure that it is not under cooked so take into consideration the proper cooking period.

Cut the breast in smaller and thin pieces so they will become crispier when baked.

Beat the eggs. Mix together the Panko breadcrumbs with corn meal with salt and pepper. If you desire to add spices or herbs, now is the time. Spread the panko and corn meal mixture on a plate.

Soak the chicken in the beaten eggs and remove the excess. After that, use some tongs or your own hands to coat with the blend on the plate.

Wash your hands again before handling any other food so you don’t spread any bacteria.

Should I Choose Breast or Thighs for Panko Bread Oven-Fried Chicken?

I prefer to use breast for this recipe as it can be cut easier.

However, make sure you remove the skin using a sharp knife. This action should be taken for two reasons: it is easier to coat the meat and you certainly do not need the extra fat since you are trying to cook a lighter dish.

Thighs are also suitable for coating, with the mention that they should be skinless. I know, I also love the chicken skin. Especially when it’s crispy. But remember that you don’t want much fat in your food since you decided to choose the baking over the deep frying.

Depending on the persons who will enjoy the oven fried chicken, you may use the meat with bones. For example, children usually prefer boneless meat because they are invariably in a hurry to go back to playing. They don’t like to waste time for removing the bones or pay attention to what they place in their mouth.

I always like to have things at hand when I cook. So, I prepare everything I need before starting the process of making crispy baked breaded chicken. I begin with lining the baking dish with parchment paper and set the oven temperature to 400F.

After cutting the meat, I transfer it on a plate.

I beat the eggs in a bowl and mix the breadcrumbs and corn flour with salt and pepper on a large plate or frying pan. I immerse the chicken into the beaten eggs, and then cover with flour blend.

When I cook, I like to feel the texture of different ingredients so I often use my hands. But if you prefer to keep them clean, tongs are the perfect substitute.

The final step is to put the breaded chicken onto the baking tray and take it to the oven.

Does It Take Long to Cook Panko Baked Oven-Fried Chicken?

It all depends on the size of the chicken pieces.

If they are about 3-4 inches large and 1 inch thin, it will take about 30 minutes. You may want to leave them five minutes longer to get that crispy crust.

In case you are using bone meat, the cooking process will take longer, around 40-50 minutes.

Breast will cook more rapidly, so you should add about 5 minutes more for the thighs.

Storage and Freezing

Without knowing storage and freezing, your panko baked oven-fried chicken recipe wouldn't be the same. A tremendous thing about baked fried chicken is that you can yet freeze it. Enjoy it a few days later if, for some reason, you don’t have time to bake it that very moment. It can be an excellent idea to have some ready prepared meat into the freezer and just place it on the baking sheet to cook when you have time.

Only dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, coat with flour mix and take the plate to the freezer. Leave it there for two hours. Shift the breaded chicken to a resealable bag and keep into the cooler for maximum two weeks.

In case you couldn’t eat everything, store the baked fried chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be a valuable protein bonus for the salad you take to the office next day. Another option is to use it in a sandwich. Place it between two slices of sourdough bread, add lettuce leaves and tomato slices. Some seasoning is welcome.

Use freshly ground pepper to get a delicious taste for office lunch. You have several possibilities to reuse these leftovers without having to waste more time for cooking.

How to Serve Panko Oven-Fried Chicken?

Most people will serve the baked fried chicken as a main course.

Of course, a side dish is needed for this. You may choose anything from potatoes (or sweet potatoes - baked, fried, mashed, boiled) to rice (basmati, brown, wild), pasta, steamed or roasted veggies. Sky is the limit here. A large salad of fresh vegetables is a good idea all the time if you want your meal less caloric.

Even if this dish seems fit for a main course, you could also enjoy this crispy baked breaded chicken as an appetizer. Why not? Just associate it with a homemade healthy dip! Choose whatever you have in your kitchen.

It is possible that an avocado lies forgotten in the bottom drawer of your fridge. Mash it with a fork and combine it with some minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and finely chopped tomatoes. You can turn plain yogurt into a tzatziki style dip by mixing it with cucumbers, garlic and olive oil. Or maybe add one tablespoon of chopped dill and some salt and freshly ground pepper. With two yolks, mustard and olive oil you can rapidly prepare homemade mayonnaise.

If you are at the beginning of your home chef career, this recipe is perfect. It demands only few ingredients and no special technique.

Your precious time is safe, it will take about 15-20 minutes to place the chicken into the tray and the tray in the oven.

Give it a try and you won’t regret it!