Crispy Panko Chicken (Only 4 Ingredients)
Crispy panko chicken is perfectly crunchy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside! It’s easy to make and combines simplicity with great flavor for a weeknight dinner that both kids and adults will love. If you’re looking to try a new chicken recipe for dinner, this dish is it! It’s perfect for family dinners but also great to serve for unexpected guests.
If your family loves chicken as much as mine, you’ve got to try this Ranch Chicken recipe and my Chicken Alfredo Bake!
Why You’ll Love This Panko Chicken
- Crunchy Texture: The larger and irregularly shaped crumbs create an exceptionally crispy and crunchy exterior that evenly coats the top of the chicken. It creates an amazing contrast in texture between the crispy coating and tender chicken.
- Lighter and Less Greasy: This Panko-coated chicken recipe bakes in the oven for a lighter and less greasy crispy chicken.
- Kid-Friendly Chicken Dinner: Kids often love the crunchiness of panko chicken, making it a favorite among families. It can be a convenient way to get kids to eat their protein.
- Easy to Prepare: Making panko chicken is relatively simple and requires only four ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick dinner for home cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients
It doesn’t get any easier than four simple ingredients to make this crispy chicken recipe for dinner.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts make for less prep when making this panko chicken recipe.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: A Japanese-style breadcrumb that’s larger and crisper than regular breadcrumbs. It’s essential to the crispy texture of the chicken.
- Mayonnaise: Adds fat and flavor to the chicken as it cooks and also helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Boosts the savory, salty flavor of the breadcrumb coating.
Tips & Variations
- Add Some Herbs. Dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, and marjoram would all work well to add to the panko or you can use a blend or mixture of herbs as well.
- Swap the Panko. If you don’t have the panko or can’t find it then your best bet is to use crushed-up crackers instead. This will give you a similar crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts. To prevent dry, overcooked chicken use a thermometer to check the temperature at 25-30 minutes and evaluate how much longer to cook them. Chicken should be cooked to 165° F.
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients. For the best flavor use regular mayonnaise and parmesan cheese. The lower-fat options may not be as full of flavor.
How To Make Panko Chicken
Making this easy chicken recipe takes just minutes to prep. Here’s a look at the highlights!
- Place. The chicken breasts in a single layer in your baking dish.
- Mix. The Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise together in a small bowl.
- Spread. The cheese and mayo mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle. A layer of bread crumbs over the top of the chicken breasts to coat.
- Bake. The chicken in a preheated oven.
What To Serve With Chicken
Crispy panko chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy to cook. Not sure what sides to serve with it? Here are a few ideas for a bit of inspiration to help you with meal planning.
- Salads: Simple salads are also perfect for weeknights. Try family favorites such as Chef Salad, 7 Layer Salad, Broccoli Salad, BLT Pasta Salad, and the kids will love this Cool Whip Fruit Salad.
- Veggies: Love veggies? Try this Crispy Zucchini, Brown Sugar Carrots, Easy Green Beans, Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, or Air Fryer Asparagus.
- Sides: Easy air fryer recipes such as French Fries, Waffle Fries, Onion Rings, and Tater Tots. And don’t forget, the Fry Sauce for dipping.
- Desserts: Add something sweet for special occasions or just because! Try these Sugar Cookies, Jello Poke Cake, Strawberry Pie, and S’mores Bars.
Recipe FAQ
The best way is to use a thermometer and cook the chicken until it registers 165° F in the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer you can check to make sure the chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
It may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts and the heat accuracy of your oven. But in general, boneless chicken breasts take about 30 to 40 minutes to cook.
Leftovers & Storing
- Store. Leftovers in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container or wrapped in foil. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
- Reheat. Return the chicken to a baking sheet and bake at 325° F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave but the oven works best to crisp back up the breadcrumbs.
More Chicken Recipes
More sprinkles, please! Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly meal planning. Follow on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for fun behind the scenes, mom life, and the newest recipes!
Crispy Panko Chicken (Only 4 Ingredients)
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise, or more to taste
- 1 cup panko crumbs, or more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise together until well combined; spread evenly over chicken breasts.
- Coat with bread crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven until chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear about 30 to 40 minutes depending on how thick your chicken breasts are.
Notes
- Add Some Herbs. Dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, and marjoram would all work well added to the panko or you can use a blend or mixture of herbs as well.
- Swap the Panko. If you don’t have the panko or can’t find it then your best bet is to use a crushed up crackers instead. This will give you a similar crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts. To prevent dry, overcooked chicken use a thermometer to check the temperature at 25-30 minutes and evaluate how much longer to cook them. Chicken should be cooked to 165° F.
- Use Full Fat Ingredients. For the best flavor use regular mayonnaise and parmesan cheese. The lower fat options may not be as full of flavor.
Some of the links above are affiliate links, which pay me a small commission for recommending my favorite products at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting Deliciously Sprinkled.