These Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons are tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with flavor—perfect for a family-friendly dinner, party appetizer, or a quick lunch. Coated in golden breadcrumbs and baked instead of fried, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without compromising on taste or crunch. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without frying – Achieves a golden, crunchy texture without the need for deep frying.
- Tender and juicy chicken – Baked to perfection while remaining moist inside.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Healthier alternative – Less oil, but still packed with flavor.
- Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for snacks or meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs (beaten)
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Parmesan cheese (grated, optional for extra flavor)
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for extra crispiness)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for extra crispiness.
- Prepare the coating stations: Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip it into the egg, and then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange on baking tray: Place the coated goujons on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like garlic mayo, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Goujons – Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Cheesy Goujons – Add extra Parmesan or cheddar to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist.
- Herb-Crusted Goujons – Mix fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme into the breadcrumb coating.
- Low-Carb Version – Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover goujons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked goujons for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and will be even juicier—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I make the goujons extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture and bake on a wire rack for better airflow.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Marinating isn’t necessary, but you can soak the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes for extra tenderness.
What sauces pair well with chicken goujons?
Garlic aioli, honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or sweet chili sauce are all great options.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
How do I prevent the breadcrumb coating from falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken, and let the coated strips rest for 10 minutes before baking.
Can I use flavored breadcrumbs?
Yes, flavored breadcrumbs like Italian-style add extra depth to the dish.
Are baked goujons healthier than fried?
Yes, baking uses less oil while still delivering a crispy texture.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons are the perfect healthier alternative to fried chicken, offering all the crunch without the extra oil. They’re easy to make, versatile, and ideal for everything from family dinners to party snacks. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy a crispy, golden-brown bite every time!
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Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-inspired
Description
These crispy, golden chicken strips are tender on the inside with a perfectly crunchy coating on the outside. Baked instead of fried, they’re a healthier option for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack. Perfect served with your favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing
For serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Your favorite dipping sauces (BBQ, honey mustard, garlic mayo)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place a wire rack on the baking sheet for extra crispiness (optional but recommended).
2. Prepare the coating
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, place the flour.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Coat the chicken strips
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
4. Bake
- Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet (or wire rack).
- Lightly spray or brush with olive oil for maximum crispiness.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C.)
5. Serve
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for an extra crunchy coating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze before baking for easy future meals.