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This Buttermilk Baked Chicken is tender, flavorful, and beautifully golden without the mess of frying. Juicy chicken breasts are soaked in tangy buttermilk, coated with a crisp parmesan-panko crust, and baked to perfection for a meal that’s both simple and satisfying.
This is one of my favorite quick and easy chicken dinner recipes, along with Pretzel Crusted Chicken and Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken.
Reasons You’ll Want to Make This
This recipe gives you all the flavor and comfort of fried chicken but without the oil or fuss. The buttermilk keeps the chicken moist, and the panko-parmesan crust turns out perfectly crisp every time.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight but tastes like something special. Cleanup is minimal, and the results are always impressive.
What You’ll Need To Make It
The complete recipe with ingredient quantities is listed in the recipe card below, but here is a quick summary.
- Buttermilk is what makes this recipe shine. It tenderizes the chicken and adds a light tang.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay juicy once pounded to an even thickness.
- Panko breadcrumbs and parmesan create a golden, flavorful crust, while garlic powder, paprika, and thyme add a balanced savory blend.
How to Make Buttermilk Baked Chicken
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate them in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and spices.
- Coat each chicken piece, shake off excess buttermilk, then lay on a baking sheet.
- Bake until the crust is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe to your liking.
- Mix seasoned or Italian breadcrumbs with the panko for extra flavor.
- Try chicken tenders or thighs for a different cut.
- Replace parmesan with Romano or asiago for a slightly different flavor.
- Add a touch of cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk for subtle heat.
What to Serve With Buttermilk Baked Chicken
This chicken works with so many sides.
- Fresh garden salad or coleslaw
- Creamy brown butter mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Collard greens or garlic butter green beans
- Homemade buttermilk biscuits
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp coating. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Learn From Me
I’ve tested this recipe many times, and a few small details make all the difference.
- Pound the chicken evenly; it cooks faster and stays juicy.
- Don’t skip the buttermilk soak; even 30 minutes helps tenderize the meat.
- And for the crispiest coating, bake on parchment or a wire rack so air can circulate underneath.
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Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Set each breast in between two layers of plastic wrap and flatten to 3/4 inch thickness by using a mallet or rolling pin. Soak chicken in 1 cup buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine remaining ingredients. Shake excess buttermilk off each piece of chicken and coat in the bread mixture.1 cup panko bread crumbs, 1 cup parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Lay in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in preheated 400°F oven for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I soaked the chicken breast in yogurt instead of buttermilk.
We loved it, really tender I over salted it 🙁 Next time won’t add extra salt. I forgot how salty parmesan cheese is!! Really good recipe though! Thank you 🙂
very delicous chicken i just had soaked my chicken overnight, as i did not know what to make found this recipe. YUMMMMMMMMY. Easy
Can you use chicken wings instead of breasts?
Yep!
My comment is about not having pan preparation info in the method. Like you, I like parchment paper but for me, it wasn’t appropriate for this chicken. The entire crispy layer facing the paper came away when lifting the breast from the pan. I read the comment that you said nothing needed greasing, so I didn’t.
Do I Greece the pan before baking?
Nope! Not necessary. I love to cook on parchment paper for easy no-stick clean up.
can i put them on a baking rack on top of baking pan?
yep!
I love this recipe! My SIL has made a similar recipe for years we all love, but she would pan fry hers. I wanted oven baked to save calories and fat. Thank you for this! It came out just as tender and yummy as hers! The only thing I did different was I do salt and pepper the cutlets and add a bit of garlic powder to them before, and I added a few shakes of Frank’s Red Hot to the buttermilk. I do also add some seasoned Italian bread crumbs to panko. SIL always does too. They came out fork tender and delicious! This is a keeper!!! My go to from now on.