Crispy Juicy Chicken Pieces (Print version)
Juicy chicken coated in a flavorful crunchy crust, baked or fried to a golden finish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.32 pounds)
→ Marinade
02 - ½ cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Coating
05 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
06 - ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
10 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
11 - ½ teaspoon salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ For Frying/Baking
13 - ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying or brushing)
# How To Make It:
01 - Pat the chicken breasts dry, then cut into strips or leave whole as preferred.
02 - Combine buttermilk, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.
03 - In a shallow dish, mix flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper evenly.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the coating mixture, pressing firmly to ensure full coverage.
05 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
06 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly brush with vegetable oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until crispy and cooked through.
07 - Serve hot alongside preferred dipping sauces.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crunchy crust with a hint of spice feels like a warm hug from an old friend.
- It’s versatile to bake or fry, so you can make it exactly how you like without extra fuss.
02 -
- Patting the chicken dry before marinating and again after is key to crispy coating.
- Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones elevates the crunch to a whole new level.
03 -
- Marinating overnight intensifies flavor and tenderness beyond the usual wait time.
- Brushing just a little oil on top before baking creates that irresistible golden crust without deep frying.