Panko Chicken Recipe

This Panko Chicken Recipe with Horseradish is made with chicken drumsticks, eggs, horseradish, Worcestershire, panko crumbs, and baked to perfection.

Panko chicken is a popular dish made by coating chicken in panko breadcrumbs and then baking or frying it until it is crispy and golden brown. Panko chicken can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, depending on personal preference. It can be served as a main dish with sides like rice, vegetables, or salad, or sliced and served as a sandwich on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and other condiments.

Panko chicken is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine, but it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world. It is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Cornflake Crusted Chicken or my Chicken Fries.

Jump to:

• What is Panko Chicken?
• Why is Panko Chicken so great?
• Ingredients
• How to make Panko Chicken Recipe
• How Do You Get Panko To Stick To Chicken?
• What to serve with panko chicken?
• Substitutions
• Panko Chicken Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Panko Chicken
• Panko Chicken Recipe Top tips
• Panko Chicken Recipe
• Food safety

What is Panko Chicken?

Panko chicken is a dish made with chicken that is coated in panko breadcrumbs and then baked or fried until it is crispy and golden brown. These breadcrumbs are a type of Japanese breadcrumb that are lighter and larger than regular breadcrumbs, which gives the chicken a crunchier texture. Panko chicken is a popular meal in Japanese cuisine, and is widely eaten in the US. It is a quick, easy and fun dish that is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Why is Panko Chicken so great?

Panko chicken is a popular dish for several reasons:

• Crunchy texture: The use of panko breadcrumbs gives the chicken a crunchy texture that is highly appealing to many people. The larger and lighter panko breadcrumbs create a more substantial coating that stays crispy even after baking or frying.
• Versatility: Panko chicken is a versatile dish that can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, depending on personal preference. It can be served as a main dish or sliced and used in sandwiches.
• Easy to prepare: Panko chicken is an easy dish to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients, and it can be ready in a short amount of time. It is a perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.
• Healthier option: Baked panko chicken is a healthier alternative to fried chicken, as it contains fewer calories and less fat. It can be a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy diet.
• Popular dish: Panko chicken is a popular dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world, and it can be found on many restaurant menus. Its popularity has also led to many variations and adaptations, allowing for a wide range of flavor combinations and serving options.

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks
• Egg
• Horseradish
• Worcestershire sauce
• Panko crumbs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dill
• Tzatziki

See recipe card for Panko Chicken Recipe quantities.

How to make Panko Chicken Recipe

How Do You Get Panko To Stick To Chicken?

1. First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the breadcrumbs stick better.
2. Make sure to use eggs to make the panko stick better.
3. (Optional) You may use a food processor to make the panko smaller, which will make it easier to stick.
4. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.
5. Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the crust to set and keep it crispy.

What to serve with panko chicken?

Panko chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs well with panko chicken. You can also add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado for a more filling option.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus make a great side dish. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven alongside the chicken.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the panko chicken with some cooked rice or quinoa. You can also add some herbs or spices to the rice or quinoa for added flavor.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with crispy panko chicken. You can also add some garlic or cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
• Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with vegetables and a light dressing is a refreshing side dish that goes well with panko chicken. You can add some olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or feta cheese for extra flavor.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Instead of regular fries, serve the panko chicken with sweet potato fries. They're a healthier option and add a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

Substitutions

• Chicken drumsticks: I love using chicken drumsticks with this recipe, although you can use any bone-in chicken like chicken thighs or chicken wings.
• Egg: The egg works well to use as the glue for the recipe and helps the panko crumbs stick to the chicken. For best quality, use organic, cage-free eggs for this recipe.
• Horseradish: This is optional but gives the chicken such a nice kick to it. You can use creamy or regular horseradish.
• Worcestershire sauce: This will always be one of my favorite sauces ever. If you are not a fan, you can opt for using soy sauce instead.
• Bread crumbs: I used panko bread crumbs for this recipe and they will always be my favorite when it comes to crusted chicken. You can use Italian breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Panko Chicken Recipe Variations

• Lemon Panko Chicken: Add lemon zest to the panko breadcrumb mixture for a fresh and zesty twist on the classic panko chicken.
• Parmesan Panko Chicken: Mix grated parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs to add a savory, cheesy flavor to the dish.
• Spicy Panko Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the panko breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Panko Chicken: Mix dried herbs, such as thyme, oregano, and basil, with the panko breadcrumbs to add extra flavor to the chicken.
• Coconut Panko Chicken: Replace the panko breadcrumbs with coconut flakes for a tropical twist on the dish.
• Honey Mustard Panko Chicken: Serve the panko chicken with a side of honey mustard dipping sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
• Teriyaki Panko Chicken: Drizzle the cooked panko chicken with teriyaki sauce for a savory, Asian-inspired flavor.
• Ranch Panko Chicken: Mix ranch seasoning with the panko breadcrumb mixture for a tangy and flavorful twist on the classic panko chicken.

Feel free to try my method on Air Frying Frozen Chicken.

Equipment

Here are the equipment you will need to make panko chicken in the oven:

• Baking sheet: You'll need a baking sheet with a wire rack to place the breaded chicken on before baking it in the oven. Choose a baking sheet that is large enough to fit all the chicken pieces without overcrowding.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the sheet and make cleaning up easier.
• Bowls: You'll need two or three shallow bowls to create a dredging station. One bowl will be for the flour mixture, one for the egg mixture, and one for the panko breadcrumb mixture.
• Whisk or fork: Use a whisk or fork to beat the eggs and create an even mixture for dipping the chicken.
• Food processor or rolling pin: You'll need a food processor or a rolling pin to crush the panko breadcrumbs into smaller pieces.
• Oven: A conventional oven is needed to bake the breaded chicken until it is golden and crispy.
• Cooking spray: Using cooking spray or brushing the chicken with oil will help to achieve an even golden brown color on the chicken and prevent it from sticking to the baking sheet.

How to store Panko Chicken

If you have any leftover panko chicken, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Here's how:

• Refrigerator storage: Allow the cooked chicken to cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer storage: Allow the cooked chicken to cool to room temperature. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and seal tightly. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat the panko chicken, you can use the oven or a microwave:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Note: Keep in mind that reheating chicken in the microwave may cause it to become less crispy. If you want to maintain the crispy texture, it's best to reheat it in the oven.

Panko Chicken Recipe Top tips

• Use a wire rack: Placing the breaded chicken on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet allows for even air circulation and helps to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy on the bottom.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Overcrowding the baking sheet can cause the chicken to steam and become less crispy. Leave enough space between each chicken piece for even baking.
• Use cooking spray or brush the chicken with oil: Lightly spraying or brushing the chicken with oil helps to achieve an even golden brown color and prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Preheat the oven: Preheating the oven ensures that it's hot enough to properly cook the chicken and achieve a crispy texture.
• Let the chicken rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving helps to keep the juices inside, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.