Description

This Crispy Panko Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner that delivers a satisfying crunch without frying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (butterflied)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (more if needed)

Breading

1 cup panko crumbs
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Other

Olive oil spray (for baking)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Prepare Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts completely so you have four even fillets. If you prefer smaller pieces, cut them in half. Pound each piece to even out the thickness, focusing on making the thickest part as thin as the thinnest part.
Season Chicken: Place the pounded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and season both sides with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Mix Breading: In a deep plate, combine 1 cup panko crumbs, ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
Coat Chicken: Spread Dijon mustard evenly on both sides of each chicken piece. Press each piece firmly into the panko mixture to ensure the crumbs stick well, then flip and repeat on the other side. Return the coated chicken to the baking rack on the sheet.
Apply Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the coated chicken with olive oil spray to help achieve a crispy texture during baking.
Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Serve: Serve the crispy panko chicken hot, paired with your favorite sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or a fresh side salad for a wholesome meal.

Notes

Butterflying and pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and a tender bite.
Using a cooling rack on the baking sheet allows heat to circulate and crisps the coating better.
You can customize the seasoning in the panko mix to your preference, adding herbs like thyme or spices like cayenne for heat.
If preferred, olive oil can be brushed instead of sprayed to help the breadcrumbs brown.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: crispy panko chicken, baked chicken breasts, easy chicken recipe, panko crusted chicken, Parmesan chicken, healthy chicken dinner