Crispy oven-baked chicken is an easy and quick weeknight dinner option that is healthier than fried chicken. The recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, including chicken breasts, flour, spices, and melted butter. The chicken is coated in the butter and flour mixture before being baked in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Tips and tricks include using cooking spray for an extra crispy crust, using a resealable bag for coating, and substituting olive oil for butter for a healthier option. Leftovers can be used for lunch the next day.
Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
Introduction
Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal to make during the week? Look no further than crispy oven-baked chicken! This recipe is perfect for those who want a homemade meal, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s healthier than fried chicken, with all the same crispy goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Moving on to the coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a bowl.
- Using tongs, dip each chicken breast in the melted butter, coating both sides.
- Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing down to make sure the chicken is coated well on both sides.
- Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- For an extra crispy crust, spray the chicken with cooking spray before baking.
- To reduce the mess, use a resealable plastic bag instead of a shallow dish to coat the chicken.
- For gluten-free crispy oven-baked chicken, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
- You can also use this same coating recipe for chicken tenders, drumsticks or thighs!
- For a healthier option, use skinless chicken breasts and substitute olive oil for butter.
Conclusion
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and the leftovers make a great lunch the next day. With a few simple ingredients and some quick prep work, you can have a delicious and crispy oven-baked chicken that your entire family will love. Give it a try tonight!