Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken and Savory Potato Fries
Indulge in the delightful crunch and flavor of this crispy oven-baked chicken paired with savory, golden-brown potato fries. This healthier alternative to traditional fried dishes offers a satisfying yet guilt-free option, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg
1 large (whisk with egg white and mustard)
Egg white
1 large (whisk with egg and mustard)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (add to egg mixture)
Melba toast
5 ounces (pulsed into breadcrumbs)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (pulsed with Melba toast)
Dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (pulsed with Melba toast)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (pulsed with Melba toast)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (pulsed with Melba toast)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (pulsed with Melba toast)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (pulsed with Melba toast)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (pulsed with Melba toast)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 pieces (pat dry)
Potato
1 lb (cut into 1/4 inch strips and soaked)
Cooking spray
as needed (for spraying chicken and potatoes)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, egg white, and Dijon mustard until combined and smooth.
3
In a food processor, pulse the Melba toast, dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a textured breadcrumb mixture. Ensure some pieces remain about the size of currants for extra crunch.
4
Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, ensuring it's thoroughly coated. Dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing and turning to ensure an even coating. Place the coated chicken breasts on one of the prepared baking sheets.
5
Bake the chicken in the middle rack of the preheated oven for 3 minutes. Spray the tops of the chicken breasts lightly with cooking spray, then continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. Turn the chicken breasts over, spray lightly again, and bake for another 6 minutes, or until they're golden and cooked through.
6
While the chicken is baking, drain the soaked potato strips and pat them dry with paper towels.
7
Place the potato strips in a resealable plastic bag or a lidded container. Spray with cooking oil for about 3 seconds, add a pinch of salt, and shake well to coat evenly.
8
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the second baking sheet. Ensure they're not touching each other to achieve even cooking. Spray the potatoes lightly with cooking spray.
9
Bake the potatoes on the lower rack for 7 minutes, then turn them over. Continue baking for another 7 minutes, turn once more, and bake for a final 5 minutes or until they're golden and crispy.
10
Serve the crispy chicken and potato fries immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken paired with Savory Potato Fries.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What ingredients are used for the chicken coating?
The coating consists of Melba toast, dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is used as the binder for the chicken breading?
A mixture of one whole egg, one egg white, and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used as the binder.
How should the Melba toast be prepared?
The Melba toast should be pulsed in a food processor until it reaches a textured breadcrumb consistency with some pieces the size of currants.
What kind of chicken is used?
The recipe calls for 4 pieces of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How do you prepare the potatoes before baking?
The potatoes should be cut into 1/4 inch strips, soaked, drained, and patted completely dry with paper towels.
What is the secret to making the chicken crispy in the oven?
The chicken is sprayed lightly with cooking spray during the baking process and turned halfway through to ensure an even crunch.
How long does the chicken bake in total?
The chicken bakes for a total of 14 minutes: 3 minutes initially, 5 minutes after the first spray, and 6 minutes after being turned.
How are the potatoes seasoned?
The potatoes are placed in a bag, sprayed with cooking oil for 3 seconds, and shaken with a pinch of salt.
What is the baking arrangement for the potatoes?
The potatoes should be arranged in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
Where should the trays be placed in the oven?
The chicken should be placed on the middle rack and the potatoes on the lower rack.
How many times should the potatoes be turned during baking?
The potatoes should be turned twice: once after 7 minutes and again after another 7 minutes.
What is the total baking time for the potatoes?
The potatoes bake for approximately 19 minutes in total.
Are there any specific herbs used in the breading?
Yes, the recipe uses dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano.
What adds a hint of spice to the chicken?
A 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is included in the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick.
Should the chicken breasts be dried before coating?
Yes, the instructions specify to pat the chicken breasts dry before dipping them in the egg mixture.
What type of mustard is used in the egg wash?
One tablespoon of Dijon mustard is whisked into the eggs.
Can I use cooking spray on the potatoes?
Yes, the potatoes are sprayed both in the bag and lightly again once arranged on the baking sheet.
Is parchment paper necessary?
Yes, the recipe recommends lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How thick should the potato fries be?
The potatoes should be cut into 1/4 inch strips.
Does this recipe use oil for frying?
No, it uses cooking spray as a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken?
Press and turn the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even and secure coating.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the chicken and fries immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.
Can I use a food processor for the breading?
Yes, a food processor is used to pulse the Melba toast and spices together.
Is garlic powder included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder is added to the Melba toast mixture.
What is the texture of the Melba toast crumbs?
The crumbs should be textured, with some pieces remaining about the size of currants for extra crunch.
How much potato is needed for 4 servings?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of potatoes.
What is the benefit of using an egg white with a whole egg?
Using an egg white in addition to a whole egg helps create a lighter binder that adheres well to the meat.