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

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Moving on to the coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
4. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a bowl.
5. Using tongs, dip each chicken breast in the melted butter, coating both sides.
6. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing down to make sure the chicken is coated well on both sides.
7. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
9. 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!