Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, this Crunchy Buttery Chicken Delight is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb-Parmesan crust and baked to perfection with melted butter, this dish is a game-changer for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Recipe
-
Crispy oven-baked coating with no deep frying required
-
Buttermilk tenderizes for juicy, flavorful chicken
-
A buttery Parmesan crust that delivers restaurant-quality texture
-
Minimal cleanup with just one baking dish
-
Kid-approved and great for meal prep or leftovers
Ingredients Breakdown:
-
Chicken Breasts or Drumsticks (4 pieces) – The protein star, juicy and flavorful when baked.
-
Buttermilk (1 cup) – Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
-
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – Forms the base of the seasoned coating.
-
Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Adds a savory, aromatic depth.
-
Onion Powder (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor with subtle sweetness.
-
Paprika (1 tsp) – Brings color and a mild smokiness.
-
Salt (1 tsp) & Black Pepper (1/2 tsp) – Classic seasoning to balance all the flavors.
-
Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup) – Extra-crispy breadcrumb coating for that perfect crunch.
-
Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated) – Adds a nutty, salty boost to the crust.
-
Melted Butter (1/2 cup) – Drizzled for richness and helps the crust crisp up beautifully in the oven.
-
Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Tips and Tricks
-
Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for added crunch.
-
Don’t overcrowd the pan – space allows for better crisping.
-
For extra crispiness, bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
-
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour for heat.
Variations and Customizations
-
Cheese Twist: Swap Parmesan for asiago or sharp cheddar.
-
Spicy Version: Add hot sauce to the buttermilk or use spicy paprika.
-
Low-Carb: Use crushed pork rinds instead of flour and breadcrumbs.
-
Air Fryer Friendly: Cook at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this crispy chicken with:
-
Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
-
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
-
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
-
A light lemon aioli or honey mustard dip
Storage Instructions
-
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freeze: Freeze baked (and cooled) chicken for up to 2 months.
-
Reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Popular Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs will be even juicier and work great in this recipe.
What’s the best way to make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko crumbs.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
