Savory Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts
This deliciously crunchy oven-baked chicken breast recipe is a game changer for any home cook looking to impress. The secret lies in the unique blend of crushed crisp rice cereal and flavorful seasonings that keep the chicken juicy on the inside while creating a satisfying crunch on the outside. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish combines simplicity with mouthwatering flavor that even the pickiest eater will love. Say goodbye to dry chicken with this foolproof recipe that guarantees tender and flavorful chicken every time!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
crisp rice cereal
1 1/2 cups (coarsely crushed)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (none)
poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (none)
butter or margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 pieces (about 1 pound)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking pan with cooking spray or a little extra butter to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the coarsely crushed crisp rice cereal, all-purpose flour, salt, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning until well combined.
3
In another bowl, pour the melted butter or margarine and prepare to bread the chicken.
4
Take each boneless skinless chicken breast half and dip it thoroughly into the melted butter, ensuring it's fully coated.
5
Afterward, place the buttered chicken breasts into the cereal mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating on all sides.
6
Transfer the coated chicken breasts onto the greased baking pan. Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top for extra flavor.
7
Bake the chicken uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The outside should be golden brown and crispy.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to making these oven-baked chicken breasts crispy?
The secret lies in using coarsely crushed crisp rice cereal combined with a blend of seasonings and flour to create a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
What oven temperature should I use for this recipe?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
How long do the chicken breasts need to bake?
Bake the chicken uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either melted butter or margarine to coat the chicken before breading.
What seasonings are included in the breading?
The breading includes salt, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning mixed with the crushed cereal and flour.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Should I cover the chicken with foil while baking?
No, you should bake the chicken uncovered to ensure the coating becomes golden brown and crispy.
How many chicken breast halves does this recipe require?
This recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, weighing about 1 pound total.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest after baking?
Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.
What type of cereal should I use?
Use crisp rice cereal that has been coarsely crushed for the optimal texture.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Grease your baking pan with cooking spray or extra butter before placing the coated chicken on it.
Can I drizzle extra butter on the chicken?
Yes, you can drizzle any remaining melted butter over the coated chicken breasts before putting them in the oven for extra flavor.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, with a preparation time and a 20-25 minute cook time, it is perfect for busy weeknights.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I use all-purpose flour in the coating?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are mixed with the cereal to help the coating adhere and crisp up.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Chicken Breast recipes.
Is poultry seasoning necessary?
Poultry seasoning adds a classic savory flavor to the chicken, but you can adjust seasonings to your preference.
What should the outside of the chicken look like when finished?
The outside should be a beautiful golden brown and have a satisfying crispy texture.
How much butter do I need?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of melted butter or margarine.
Do I need to dip the chicken in anything before the cereal?
Yes, dip each chicken breast into melted butter first so the cereal mixture sticks properly.
Can I make this for a special gathering?
Absolutely, it combines simplicity with a mouthwatering flavor that impresses guests.
How much dried thyme is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, its mild but savory flavor and crunchy texture make it a hit with both kids and adults.
How much salt is in the coating?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Should the chicken be skinless?
Yes, use boneless skinless chicken breast halves for this specific preparation.
How should I crush the rice cereal?
The cereal should be coarsely crushed rather than ground into a fine powder to maintain the crunch.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great protein option that can be prepared quickly and stays flavorful.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include baked chicken, crispy chicken, oven recipe, quick meal, and easy dinner.
What is the preparation for the chicken breasts?
The chicken should be about 1 pound total and prepared as halves.
How do I apply the cereal mixture?
Press the buttered chicken breasts into the cereal mixture gently to ensure an even coating on all sides.