Introduction
Preparation of delicious baked chicken can be both simple and rewarding. This dish promises juicy, tender chicken breasts with a crispy, flavorful coating. Let’s explore the ingredients and steps needed to create this delightful meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cups whole milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ stick butter, melted
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Directions
1. Cut each chicken breast in half.
2. Marinate the chicken pieces in whole milk for about 20 minutes.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring the bottom is evenly coated.
6. Remove each chicken piece from the milk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture, coating both sides liberally. Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking pan.
7. Repeat the coating process for all chicken pieces.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, flipping each piece after 20 minutes.
9. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut each chicken breast in half to create thinner pieces that will cook more evenly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Marinate the chicken pieces in 3 cups of whole milk for about 20 minutes. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Flour Coating
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Pan
Pour ½ stick of melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Swirl it around to ensure the bottom of the pan is evenly coated.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
Remove each chicken piece from the milk, allowing any excess milk to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are liberally coated. Place the coated chicken into the prepared baking pan.
Step 7: Repeat the Coating Process
Continue the coating process for all chicken pieces until they are all placed in the baking pan.
Step 8: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Be sure to flip each piece after 20 minutes to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through when done.
Step 9: Serve the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Transfer the pieces to a serving dish and garnish with fresh flat-leaf parsley, if desired.
Notes
Tip 1: Marination Time
For best results, ensure the chicken is marinated for the full 20 minutes to maximize tenderness.
Tip 2: Adjusting Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more spices or herbs if desired.
Tip 3: Checking Doneness
Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Tip 4: Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken in whole milk helps to tenderize the meat while adding moisture, resulting in a juicier dish.
Dredging
Coating the marinated chicken in a flour mixture creates a crispy outer layer when baked, enhancing the texture and flavor.
Baking
Baking the chicken in a butter-coated pan allows for even cooking and browning, resulting in a deliciously golden crust.
Flipping
Flipping the chicken halfway through the baking process ensures that both sides cook evenly and attain the desired crispiness.
Garnishing
Adding fresh parsley as a garnish not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh flavor contrast to the richness of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly to ensure the chicken cooks through.
What can I substitute for whole milk?
You can use buttermilk or a non-dairy milk alternative, though results may vary slightly in flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While marinating is not absolutely necessary, it significantly enhances the chicken’s tenderness and juiciness.
Can I cook this on a grill instead of baking?
This recipe is designed for baking, but you could adapt it for grilling, ensuring the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
What sides pair well with this chicken dish?
Served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
Conclusion
This chicken recipe combines simple ingredients to create a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish, perfect for any meal. The marination in whole milk ensures tender and juicy chicken, while the coating gives it a satisfying crunch. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that can impress your family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herbed Chicken Parmesan
Add a layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top of the baked chicken for an Italian twist.
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Mix honey and garlic with a touch of hot sauce and drizzle over the chicken before serving for a sweet and spicy flavor.
Lemon Butter Chicken
Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the melted butter for a bright and tangy flavor that complements the chicken.
BBQ Chicken Bake
Brush your favorite barbecue sauce over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking for a smoky sweetness.
Chicken and Veggie Bake
Add a mix of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to the baking pan for a complete meal.
Coconut Curry Chicken
Replace the butter with coconut oil and add curry powder to the flour mixture for a fragrant and exotic flavor profile.
