Crispy baked chicken breasts are the perfect combination of juicy meat and a golden, crunchy coating, without the mess of deep frying. This recipe brings back warm family memories with every bite and is a healthier option for weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and oven-baking, you’ll love how easy and delicious this version of crispy chicken can be.
Golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this healthier version will quickly become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Chicken Breasts
Healthier than traditional deep-fried chicken
Results in a beautifully golden, crispy crust while keeping the meat incredibly tender and juicy.
Simple, everyday pantry ingredients
Great for meal prepping and family dinners
Perfect for both kids and adults
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken Breasts
To make this oven-fried chicken, you’ll need basic ingredients like boneless chicken breasts, buttermilk for tenderizing, flour, breadcrumbs for crunch, and a blend of spices to infuse delicious flavor into every bite. Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are likely already stocked in your kitchen!
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Breasts at Home
First, marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk, allowing the acidity to tenderize the meat while adding rich flavor. Then, coat the chicken in a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture to create that crave-worthy crispy crust. Bake the chicken in a preheated oven, flipping once or twice to ensure even crispiness. In no time, you’ll have golden, juicy chicken that tastes like it’s been deep-fried — but without the extra oil!
Tips for Juicy & Crispy Baked Chicken Breasts
Placing the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet helps hot air circulate evenly, making the coating extra crispy.
A light mist of oil before baking will help the chicken turn beautifully golden and add even more crunch.
Flip twice during baking for an even golden crust.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
What to Serve with Crispy Baked Chicken Breasts
Serve this crispy chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. It also pairs beautifully with creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or even tucked into a sandwich for a quick lunch.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator and enjoy it within four days.
To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie – Creamy, Easy & Delicious
Stuffed Chicken Breast – A Delicious Low-Carb Dinner Idea
Don’t have buttermilk on hand? No worries — you can easily make your own at home! Learn how to make homemade buttermilk here.
Crispy Baked Chicken Breasts – Juicy & Golden Oven-Fried Recipe
Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts – Crispy, Juicy & Healthier Than Fried
Description
If you’re craving crispy, golden chicken without the hassle and mess of frying, this oven-fried chicken is just what you need. The chicken breasts are soaked in buttermilk to make them extra tender and flavorful, then coated in a seasoned crust that bakes to crunchy perfection. It’s a lighter, fuss-free take on classic fried chicken, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Delicious, easy, and satisfying—this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Crispy Juicy Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts
How to Make Crispy Juicy Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts (Step-by-Step Instructions)
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Marinate the Chicken
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Add the chicken breasts to a large plastic bag with a zip seal.
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Pour in the buttermilk, seal the bag, and massage it gently to coat the chicken evenly.
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Let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to absorb and keep the chicken tender.
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Preheat the Oven
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Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Drizzle the peanut oil evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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Prepare the Coating
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Place the crushed herb-seasoned stuffing mix into a shallow dish.
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In another shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper.
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Crack the egg into a small bowl, add water, and whisk until smooth.
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Coat the Chicken
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Take the chicken out of the marinade and gently shake off any excess liquid. Discard the marinade.
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First, coat each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s well covered.
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Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
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Finally, press the chicken into the stuffing mix, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
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Bake to Perfection
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Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking pan.
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Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
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Flip each piece over and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and the coating is golden and crispy.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 474kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate 52g18%
- Protein 35g70%
- Calcium 135 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The buttermilk marinade adds flavor and tenderizes the chicken, ensuring it stays moist during cooking. Skipping this step might produce a drier texture, so don’t skip it!
