Best Crispy Chicken Breast Fillet Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Brining Time
20 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
301 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Best Crispy Chicken Breast Fillet Recipe
Description
Chicken breast fillets are cut and brined briefly in saltwater to improve juiciness and texture. After rinsing and drying, they are coated in a mixture of egg, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This wet mixture helps the panko breadcrumb coating adhere well. The breadcrumb mixture contains paprika, onion powder, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, contributing both texture and flavor. The fillets are pressed evenly with the breadcrumb mixture and optionally sprayed with oil to promote crispiness. Baking at 425°F allows the chicken to cook thoroughly while achieving a golden, crunchy coating.
The brining step is critical for tender results, and cooking until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F ensures food safety without drying out the fillets. Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain juices.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast cut half lengthwise and brined in saltwater, see instructions below, boneless, skinless
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste, if you use regular table salt, you'll need 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- oil spray optional
- parsley chopped, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Brine chicken fillets: Fill a large bowl with 1 quart of water and 1/4 cup of kosher salt. Stir to combine and the salt is absorbed. Add the chicken fillets and let them sit in the saltwater to brine for at least 15 minutes. (If your plan to brine for more than 30 minutes, you’ll need to store the bowl in the refrigerator. Don’t brine for more than 6 hours.)
- Heat the oven: Preheat oven to 425°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Breading: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, add breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, and parmesan cheese.
- Remove chicken fillets from the brine and rinse with water. Then pat dry with paper towels.
- Add chicken fillets into the egg mixture, shake off the excess.
- Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat evenly, and lightly press the coating onto the chicken. (Optional: spray with oil spray for an extra crunchy texture.)
- Bake the chicken: Arrange chicken fillets on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 minutes. Flip and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cooked through. (Optional: broil in the last 2 minutes for a golden crispy coating.)
Notes
- Brining the chicken is important to keep the fillets tender and juicy.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 ºF for safe and properly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to lock in juices and maintain moisture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 301 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 301kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 119mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 790mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 508mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 396IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 117mg | 12% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.