This crispy fried chicken breast recipe brings together the succulence of chicken with a golden, crunchy crust. Buttermilk is used to tenderize the chicken while the coating of flour, egg, and panko bread crumbs create an irresistible crunch. Served warm with fresh arugula and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, it's an impressive yet easy dish to prepare.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are easily available in your kitchen or local supermarket. However, if you're unfamiliar with Panko, these are Japanese style bread crumbs, known for their light, crispy texture. They can be found in the Asian or bread crumb aisle of most supermarkets. Buttermilk, another key ingredient, is used for marinating the chicken, adding a tangy flavor and tenderizing the meat.
Crispy Fried Chicken Breast Ingredients
Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts are lean and protein-rich. They're sliced thin for this recipe to ensure even cooking.
Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizer and adds a tangy flavor to the chicken.
Flour: Used to create the first layer of the coating, aiding in the adhesion of other ingredients.
Panko bread crumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide a light, crispy crust.
Egg: Used in the coating process to bind the flour and panko to the chicken.
Salt and Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken and the crust.
Garlic Powder: Adds a hint of savory flavor.
Arugula: A peppery green that complements the savory chicken well.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and creamy texture.
Olive oil and Butter: Used for frying the chicken, contributing to its golden color and rich flavor.
Lemon juice: The main component of the vinaigrette, its tartness balances out the richness of the fried chicken.
One reader, Coretta Cromwell says:
This crispy fried chicken breast recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turned out golden and crunchy, and the flavors were spot on. The buttermilk marinade made the chicken so tender and juicy. The lemon vinaigrette added a refreshing touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, crispy chicken!
Techniques Required for Crispy Fried Chicken Breast
How to marinate chicken in buttermilk: Place the chicken breasts in a ziploc bag and pour the buttermilk over them. Seal the bag and ensure the chicken is fully coated in the buttermilk. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
How to create breading process: In the first dish, combine flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp pepper. In the second dish, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. In the third dish, mix the panko with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Set up the dishes in a line to create a breading station for the chicken.
How to coat chicken in flour, egg, and panko: First, coat the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the panko mixture. Ensure each chicken breast is evenly coated at each step.
How to brown chicken in a skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about three minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through.
How to make lemon vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil until well combined. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste.
How to coat arugula with lemon vinaigrette: Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the arugula and toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
How to serve crispy fried chicken breast: Place the dressed arugula on each chicken breast and top with shaved parmesan. Serve the crispy fried chicken breast warm and enjoy!
How To Make Fried Chicken Breast
Savor each bite of this panko-coated chicken breast that’s marinated in buttermilk for a tender fried chicken that’s topped with lemon vinaigrette.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4thin chicken breasts
- 2cupsbuttermilk
- ¾cupflour
- ¾cuppanko bread crumbs
- 1egg
- 2tspsalt
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 1tsppepper
- 4cupsbaby arugula,loosely packed
- 4tbspparmesan cheese,shaved
- 2tbspolive oil
- 2tbspbutter
For Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 2tbsplemon juice
- ¼cupolive oil
- salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Marinate chicken in buttermilk in a Ziploc bag for 30 to 60 minutes.
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Create a breading process with 3 separate shallow dishes or bowls. In the first dish, mix flour, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
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In the second dish, mix egg and 1 tablespoon water. In the third dish, mix Panko, and remaining salt and pepper.
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Coat chicken in flour, dredge in egg mixture then coat in panko. Repeat with each chicken breast and place on a baking sheet.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil. Place 2 chicken breasts in the pan and brown for about 3 minutes on each side. Continue cooking until chicken is cooked all the way through.
-
Repeat with the last 2 chicken breasts. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Lemon Vinaigrette:
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Make dressing by whisking lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
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Lightly coat arugula with lemon vinaigrette and scoop onto each breast.
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Top with shaved parmesan and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 615.12kcal
- Fat: 39.27g
- Saturated Fat: 11.36g
- Trans Fat: 0.33g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 21.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.49g
- Carbohydrates: 34.40g
- Fiber: 1.61g
- Sugar: 6.77g
- Protein: 30.92g
- Cholesterol: 122.16mg
- Sodium: 716.96mg
- Calcium: 313.89mg
- Potassium: 490.51mg
- Iron: 1.79mg
- Vitamin A: 131.41µg
- Vitamin C: 5.19mg
Technique Tip for Achieving Crispy Fried Chicken Breast
When frying the chicken breasts, it's important to not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil significantly, causing the chicken to absorb more oil and become greasy rather than crispy. Frying in batches, as suggested in the recipe, is a great way to ensure each piece of chicken is perfectly crispy and golden brown.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Crispy Fried Chicken Breast
Marinate efficiently: To save time, marinate the chicken in a resealable plastic bag, ensuring the buttermilk coats the chicken evenly. This method reduces cleanup and allows for easy marinating.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute searches for items.
Substitute Ingredients For Fried Chicken Breast Recipe
buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can provide the same tangy flavor and tenderizing effect as buttermilk in the marinade.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used to create a lighter, crispier coating for the chicken.
panko bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can provide a similar crunchy texture and golden color when used as a coating for the chicken.
egg - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can be used as a binding agent and can help the breading adhere to the chicken.
arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be used as a substitute for arugula, providing a mild, slightly peppery flavor.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino: Grated pecorino cheese can offer a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee can be used as a substitute for butter, providing a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a tangy and acidic flavor similar to lemon juice in the vinaigrette.
Presenting Your Crispy Fried Chicken Breast
Elevate the plating: When presenting the crispy fried chicken breast, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use white plates to make the colors pop and arrange the chicken breast and arugula salad with precision and care.
Incorporate height and dimension: Add dimension to the plate by stacking the crispy fried chicken breast on top of the dressed arugula. This creates a visually striking presentation that showcases the different components of the dish.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle the plate with delicate microgreens, such as micro basil or micro cilantro, to add a touch of freshness and a burst of vibrant color to the dish.
Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette: Instead of tossing the arugula in the dressing, drizzle the lemon vinaigrette in an artistic manner over the salad and chicken breast. This adds a sophisticated touch and allows the flavors to shine through.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the crispy fried chicken breast and arugula salad to take center stage. Avoid overcrowding the plate with unnecessary elements to maintain a refined presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the dish is presented with precision and attention to detail. This level of care elevates the overall dining experience.
Consider the plate as a canvas: Approach the plating as an opportunity for artistic expression. Use the plate as a canvas and arrange the elements thoughtfully, creating a visually stunning presentation that reflects your culinary expertise.
Emphasize the golden crust: Showcase the golden, crispy exterior of the chicken breast by placing it prominently on the plate, allowing the texture and color to captivate the diners' attention.
Balance the elements: Strive for a harmonious balance of colors, textures, and flavors on the plate. The presentation should reflect the careful balance of the dish's components, creating a visually appealing and appetizing arrangement.
Highlight the parmesan shavings: Shave the parmesan cheese using a fine grater and delicately place the shavings on top of the arugula salad, adding a touch of elegance and a savory finishing touch to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Crispy Fried Chicken Breast
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor to the dish.
Ziploc bag: A ziploc bag is used to marinate the chicken in buttermilk, allowing the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat.
Shallow dishes or bowls: Shallow dishes or bowls are used for the breading process, providing a convenient setup for coating the chicken in flour, egg, and panko.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to place the breaded chicken breasts before cooking, ensuring they are ready for the stovetop.
Large skillet: A large skillet is essential for frying the chicken breasts, providing ample space for even cooking and browning.
Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the lemon juice and olive oil for the vinaigrette, ensuring a smooth and well-emulsified dressing.
Paper towels: Paper towels are used to drain excess oil from the fried chicken breasts, helping to achieve a crispy texture.
Grater: A grater is used to shave the parmesan cheese, adding a finishing touch to the dish with delicate cheese shavings.
Storing and Freezing Crispy Fried Chicken Breast
Allow the crispy fried chicken breasts to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will help maintain their crispiness and prevent them from becoming soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the chicken crispy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the fried chicken breasts for longer storage, follow these steps:
- Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal.
- Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen fried chicken breasts:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the desired number of chicken breasts from the freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the frozen chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even reheating.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken breasts for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen fried chicken breasts in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is crispy.
Note: Reheating times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the efficiency of your oven or air fryer. Always ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
How To Reheat Leftover Crispy Fried Chicken Breast
To reheat crispy fried chicken breast in the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the crispiness of the panko bread crumbs coating.
Another option is to use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the fried chicken in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for 30-second intervals until heated through. To help maintain the crispiness, place a damp paper towel over the chicken while microwaving. Keep in mind that this method may result in a slightly softer texture compared to the oven or air fryer.
If you have a convection microwave, use the combination mode to reheat the chicken. This method uses both microwave energy and convection heat, resulting in a crispier texture. Place the chicken on the convection tray and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Lastly, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy. This method works well if you want to refresh the flavors of the garlic powder and pepper in the coating.
Random Fact About Crispy Fried Chicken Breast
Buttermilk is a key ingredient in this recipe and is often used in Southern fried chicken recipes. It helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor to the dish.
Is Making Crispy Fried Chicken Breast at Home Cost-Effective?
The crispy fried chicken breast recipe is fairly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken breast, buttermilk, and flour, are generally affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The addition of arugula and parmesan cheese may slightly increase the cost, but they are used in smaller quantities. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, considering the balance of cost and flavor.
Is Crispy Fried Chicken Breast Healthy or Unhealthy?
This crispy fried chicken breast recipe, while delicious, has some aspects that could be considered unhealthy:
- The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, which is high in fat and calories
- The breading process involves flour and panko breadcrumbs, adding more carbohydrates and potential for oil absorption during frying
- Frying the chicken in butter and olive oil adds significant amounts of fat to the dish
- The lemon vinaigrette, although containing healthy olive oil, may not be enough to balance out the overall fat content
However, the recipe does include some healthy elements:
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source
- Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green, providing vitamins and minerals
- The lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh, light flavor and some heart-healthy olive oil
- Parmesan cheese, used in moderation, can provide calcium and protein
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Instead of frying, try oven-baking the chicken breasts. Coat them with the flour, egg, and panko mixture, then place them on a baking sheet and spray with cooking oil. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and crispy
- Use whole wheat flour and panko to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of butter and oil used in the skillet, or replace with a healthier cooking oil like avocado oil
- Increase the amount of arugula to boost the vegetable content of the dish
- Add other vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, shaved carrots, or sliced cucumbers
- Use a low-fat buttermilk or yogurt for marinating to reduce the fat content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breading mixture to add flavor without extra calories, such as paprika, thyme, or oregano
Editor's Thoughts on This Crispy Fried Chicken Breast Recipe
The crispy fried chicken breast recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, crunchy panko breading, and zesty arugula. The marination in buttermilk ensures juicy and flavorful chicken, while the breading adds a satisfying crunch. The lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing tang, complementing the dish perfectly. The use of parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory element, elevating the overall flavor profile. This recipe offers a balanced and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Fried Chicken Breast Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a crispy and flavorful fried chicken breast that will surely satisfy your cravings. The marination in buttermilk ensures tender and juicy chicken, while the breading process with flour and panko bread crumbs creates a deliciously crunchy coating. The addition of arugula and parmesan cheese adds a fresh and savory element to the dish. The homemade lemon vinaigrette further enhances the flavors, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a delightful and satisfying meal.
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