Crunchy Buttery Chicken

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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.

Crunchy Buttery Chicken

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor, this Crunchy Buttery Chicken Delight is a baked twist on classic fried chicken—without the mess! Tender chicken is coated in a seasoned flour blend, crusted with crispy panko and Parmesan, then drizzled with butter and baked to perfection. It’s juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and downright irresistible

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup melted unsalted butter

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

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2. Soak the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast or drumstick into buttermilk, making sure it’s fully coated. This step helps tenderize the chicken and allows the coating to stick better.

3. Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Create the Crumb Coating

In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Dredge and Coat

Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, shake off excess, and dredge in the seasoned flour. Then press each piece into the panko-Parmesan mixture until thoroughly coated.

6. Arrange and Butter

Place coated chicken into the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken to help achieve that golden, crispy crust.

7. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden and crisp. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

8. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

This Crunchy Buttery Chicken Delight is everything you want in a homemade comfort meal—crispy, juicy, flavorful, and simple to make. Serve it up for a casual family dinner or impress guests with its irresistible crunch and buttery richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

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