Panko Chicken

Whenever I think about a quick and satisfying meal, Panko Chicken immediately comes to mind. I remember a busy weeknight when I wanted something crispy and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s when I stumbled upon this delightful dish, perfect for both a casual family dinner and a cozy gathering with friends. The combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, paired with a sweet and tangy apricot dipping sauce, makes for an irresistible meal that leaves everyone craving more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Panko Chicken always hits the spot.

As I prepared this dish for the first time, the aroma of frying chicken filled my kitchen, and I felt a sense of accomplishment as I plated it with the homemade dipping sauce. You see, the secret isn’t just in the cooking but in the love you pour into it. This recipe is not only easy to follow, but it also allows you to impress your loved ones with a delicious meal that looks as good as it tastes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making Panko Chicken over and over again.

Recipe Ingredients for Panko Chicken

The ingredients for Panko Chicken come together beautifully to create a dish that is both savory and satisfying. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crispy coating to the sweet dipping sauce. Let’s break down the essentials:

• 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness – This is the star of the dish, providing juicy and tender meat.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour – Used for dredging the chicken, it helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere properly.
• 2 large eggs – Beaten, these provide moisture and help bind the panko coating to the chicken.
• 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs – These are the secret to achieving that perfect crunch.
• 1/4 cup oil for frying – Essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• For the Apricot Dipping Sauce:
• 3/4 cup apricot preserves/jam – Adds sweetness and flavor to the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons natural ketchup – Adds a tangy element that balances the sweetness.
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce – Provides depth and a savory note to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – A little goes a long way in enhancing the flavor profile.

Step by Step Guide for Panko Chicken

Cooking Panko Chicken is a rewarding experience, and it’s easier than you might think. Get ready for a delightful journey that ends with a crispy, flavorful dish you’ll be proud to serve!

1. To begin, let’s prepare the apricot dipping sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the apricot preserves, natural ketchup, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are blended. Taste and adjust the flavors to your liking, then divide the sauce into four small bowls.
2. Next, take your chicken breasts and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper for seasoning. This helps enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
3. Now, set up your dredging station. On one plate, spread out the flour. On another, pour the beaten eggs. Finally, spread the panko breadcrumbs on a third plate. This assembly line will make it easier to coat the chicken.
4. Take one chicken breast, dredge it in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dip it in the eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it evenly with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure they stick.
5. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts. You want each piece to have a nice, thick coating of breadcrumbs for that signature crunch.
6. In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. You want to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
7. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry each piece for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them, and if the oil starts to smoke, reduce the heat.
8. Once cooked, check the chicken by pressing it gently in the center; it should feel firm and not squishy. If it’s not done, give it another minute or so.
9. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them rest for a minute before slicing them across the grain into wide strips.
10. To serve, arrange the chicken strips on individual plates and offer the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious Panko Chicken!

Customization Ideas

There are plenty of ways to customize Panko Chicken to suit your taste! Here are some fun ideas to enhance this recipe:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to get back that crispy texture.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken before frying. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw before cooking.
• Variations: Try adding herbs like parsley or thyme to the panko for a flavor twist.
• Serving suggestions: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour or breadcrumbs for a spicy kick!

Perfect Pairings for Panko Chicken

When it comes to serving Panko Chicken, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad or a tangy coleslaw pairs beautifully with the crunchy chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside seasonal roasted vegetables for a colorful and healthy addition to your plate.
• Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the chicken over rice or quinoa, drizzled with the dipping sauce.
• Family Gatherings: This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, as it’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages.
• Picnics: Pack some slices for a picnic; they’re just as delicious cold!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Panko Chicken is a dish that perfectly balances crunch and flavor, making it a family favorite. The combination of juicy chicken and a delightful dipping sauce will surely impress your dinner guests or satisfy a weeknight craving. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious results. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to your table!

Panko Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Panko Chicken is a crispy delight that will have you craving more! Perfectly golden chicken paired with a sweet apricot dipping sauce makes this an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Ingredients

  

• 4 servings Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
• 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 large Eggs Beaten
• 1 1/2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs
• 1/4 cup Oil for Frying
• 3/4 cup Apricot Preserves/Jam
• 3 tablespoons Natural Ketchup
• 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions

 

• To make the dipping sauce, combine all ingredients in a bowl and divide between four small dipping bowls.
• Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Spread the flour on a plate, the breadcrumbs on another plate, and the eggs in a shallow bowl (beat the eggs).
• Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then the eggs, then coat evenly with the bread crumbs. Be careful not to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken.
• Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large frying pan until very hot but not smoking.
• Add the breaded chicken breasts and reduce the heat to medium. Fry the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the chicken feels firm when pressed in the center.
• Transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board and slice across the grain into wide strips.
• Transfer to individual serving plates and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to get back that crispy texture.

Keyword Chicken Dipping Sauce, Crispy Chicken, easy chicken recipe, Panko Chicken