Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful chicken dish baked to golden perfection. Featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken coated with a savory blend of garlic, Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying without sacrificing juiciness or crispiness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and promises a mouthwatering, crispy texture every time.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (about 3 lbs)
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) or red chili flakes/cayenne pepper for spice
For Baking
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps the coating stick better and crisp up in the oven. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides for balanced flavor.
- Set up your dredging stations: In one bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and any optional herbs or spices. This three-station setup makes coating quick, easy, and mess-free.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg wash, and finally roll thoroughly in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Ensuring a thick, even coating will deliver the crispy texture you crave.
- Arrange and drizzle: Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup allows air circulation to crisp all sides evenly. Drizzle or brush olive oil or melted butter over the top to promote golden color and prevent dryness.
- Bake to golden perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the chicken for 35-45 minutes, turning halfway through if you want extra even browning. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is beautifully crispy and golden brown.
Notes
- Pat chicken completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use a wire rack over a baking sheet to promote even air circulation and avoid soggy bottoms.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; give each piece enough space to crisp properly.
- Allow chicken to come to room temperature briefly before baking for even cooking.
- Season each coating stage lightly to build flavor depth.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices and ensure tenderness.
- For reheating, use a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Consider adding cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.
- Use skinless chicken and nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a low-fat, dairy-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 150g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan chicken, oven fried chicken, crispy chicken, healthy fried chicken, baked chicken, panko chicken, Parmesan crust chicken