Description
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them an ideal choice for a healthy meal.
- 1 cup buttermilk: This ingredient not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a delightful tanginess, ensuring the meat remains juicy during baking.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Used as the base for the coating, flour provides the necessary structure for the crispy exterior.
- 1 tsp paprika: This spice adds a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant color, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A must-have for flavor, garlic powder enhances the overall taste profile of the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances all other flavors and ensures a well-balanced dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: This spice adds a hint of heat and depth to the flavor, complementing the other seasonings.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and a slightly nutty flavor to the coating.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: For added crunch, breadcrumbs provide the perfect texture to mimic the traditional fried chicken crust.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Brushing the chicken with melted butter helps to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give you the ideal temperature to achieve that crispy finish.
- Marinate the Chicken: Take the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and immerse them in 1 cup buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is vital as it enhances flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
- Prepare the Coating: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk and allow any excess to drip off. Roll each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. This will create that irresistible crunch.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Once coated, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 2 tbsp melted butter over the chicken for an extra crispy finish.
- Bake: Insert the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.