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Close-up of perfectly cooked chicken fillet garnished with fresh herbs, served on a white plate.

How To Make Chicken Fillet

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating 12 hours
Learn how to make chicken fillet with this simple yet delicious recipe. Marinated in buttermilk, coated in a crispy panko crust, and cooked to golden perfection, this dish is flavorful, juicy, and perfect for any meal.
6 Servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fillet:

  • 1 ½ lbs 675 g skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into ¼-inch (½ cm) thick strips
  • 1 cup 250 ml buttermilk

For the Breading:

  • ½ cup 125 ml unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon 15 ml chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon 2.5 ml garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon 2.5 ml salt
  • ¼ teaspoon 1.25 ml black pepper
  • 3 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 ½ cups 625 ml panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons 45 ml olive oil or canola oil

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal tenderness and flavor.

Prepare the Breading Stations

  1. Prepare three separate bowls for the breading process:
    Flour Mixture: In the first bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
    Egg Wash: In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
    Breadcrumb Coating: Place the panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl.

Coat the Chicken Fillets

  1. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and allow any excess buttermilk to drip off. Proceed with the breading process as follows:
  2. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
  3. Dip the floured chicken strip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
  4. Coat the strip thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.
  5. Repeat the process until all chicken fillets are breaded.

Freezing (Optional for Meal Prep)

  1. For storage and convenience, the breaded fillets can be frozen before cooking. Arrange the coated chicken fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours. Once fully frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Cooking the Chicken Fillets

    Pan-Frying Method

    1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
    2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fillets in the pan in a single layer.
    3. Cook for 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
    4. Transfer the fillets to a 350°F (180°C) oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the interior is fully cooked.
    5. Tip: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

    Baking Method (Healthier Option)

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Lightly spray the coated chicken fillets with cooking oil.
    3. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

    Air Fryer Method

    1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
    2. Lightly spray the chicken fillets with cooking oil.
    3. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    Notes

    For a gluten-free version, make the following substitutions:
    • Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour.
    • Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cornflakes.
    • Ensure the chili powder and garlic powder are free from additives that may contain gluten.
    These modifications will ensure the dish remains crispy, flavorful, and completely gluten-free.
    Bitty