Imperial Chicken

This Imperial Chicken recipe will give you chicken with crispy edges and a moist inside. It’s a quick weeknight dinner idea that’s so versatile – you can use the leftovers for chicken casserole and top salads with it.

This recipe uses a simple combination of seasonings to give the chicken a deliciously flavorful crust. It’s an easy way to take your chicken to the next level without a lot of effort.

If not making this your chicken main dish, I highly recommend adding it to a spinach salad with cranberries or a fresh salad with bacon.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: This easy chicken recipe is a family favorite. We pulled this chicken recipe out last weekend. I hadn’t made it for a while and had forgotten how good it was!
• Versatile: Not only is this dish delicious on its own, but it also has a ton of other uses. I love using the leftovers to make a chicken casserole or to top a salad. It’s a great money-saver too!
• Comfort Food: The crispy edges of the chicken combined with the tender meat make this dish the ultimate comfort food. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
• Super Easy: The best part is that it’s so easy to make! It’s even beginner-friendly.

Key Ingredients

• Italian Bread Crumbs: These are not your average bread crumbs. The Italian seasoning in them will give the dish a flavorful twist, taking it to the next level.
• Garlic Powder: This will add a delicious, savory flavor to the dish. I tend to use the dried version as it’s more convenient, but feel free to use fresh if you have it.
• Salt and Pepper: These are the essential seasonings that will bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish.
• Parsley Flakes: These will add a pop of color to the dish, as well as a fresh, herby flavor. I usually use dried parsley, but fresh works great too!
• Butter: This is what gives the dish its rich, buttery flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.
• Skinless Boneless Chicken Breeds: The star of the show! Make sure to get boneless, skinless breasts for this recipe. They will soak up all the flavors and stay juicy and delicious.

Equipment

• Large Bowl – You’ll need this to mix together the Italian bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley flakes to coat the chicken.
• 13×9-inch baking dish – This is where you’ll place the prepared chicken breasts and pour the melted butter over them before baking.
• Meat Thermometer – This is essential to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160˚ F, so you know it’s perfectly cooked.

How to Use This Recipe for Dinner

• Main Dish. This recipe stands on its own. It’s the perfect side to go along with maple glazed carrots or your favorite side dishes.
• On Salad. I love the flavors and the crispy baked chicken on top of my favorite salads.
• In casseroles. I take any leftovers and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to store in the freezer until making a casserole.

How to Make Imperial Chicken

Preparation

To start, preheat your oven to 325˚F. This will make sure that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your chicken.

Step 1 – Prepare the Bread Crumb Mixture

Combine the Italian bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley flakes in a bowl. This will be the flavorful coating for your chicken.

Step 2 – Coat the Chicken

Next, melt your butter and soak the chicken breasts in it for 3-5 minutes. Then, roll each chicken breast in the bread crumb mixture, making sure to press the mixture onto each side.

Step 3 – Arrange the Chicken in the Dish

After the chicken is coated, roll each chicken breast into itself and place it in a baking dish. Repeat this process until all of the chicken breasts are in the dish. Pour any remaining butter over the chicken.

Step 4 – Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 325˚F for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160˚F.

Expert Tip

To ensure a crispy coating on your Imperial Chicken, make sure to press the bread crumb mixture onto each chicken breast firmly. This will help the coating to adhere and become golden and crunchy during baking.

Recipe Variations

• Fresh Herbs: Instead of using dried parsley flakes, try fresh parsley or even a mix of your favorite herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil for a more vibrant flavor.
• Spicy: Add a kick to your chicken by mixing some cayenne pepper or paprika into the bread crumb mixture. This is a great option for those who like a bit of heat in their dishes.
• Cheesy: You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on each piece in the last 5 minutes of baking it. This will add a deliciously cheesy element to your Imperial Chicken.

What to Serve With

• Main Dish – This recipe stands on its own. It’s the perfect side to go along with maple glazed carrots or your favorite side dishes.
• On Salad – I love the flavors and the crispy baked chicken on top of my favorite salads.
• In Casseroles – I take any leftovers and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to store in the freezer until making a casserole.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: After enjoying this delicious Imperial Chicken, you can store any leftovers in your refrigerator. Simply place them in an airtight container and they will keep well for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you’d like to save your dish for a longer period, it can be frozen. Once the chicken has fully cooled, store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen chicken, simply move it from the freezer to the refrigerator. Let it thaw for about 24 hours.
• Reheating: Once your Imperial Chicken has thawed, reheat it in a preheated 350˚F oven for 20-30 minutes or until it’s heated through.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This Imperial Chicken recipe yields a delicious dish for 8 people.
• How to Scale: If you’re expecting more than 8 people, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Just make sure your baking dish is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity. If not, you can bake it in two separate dishes, following the instructions for each one.

This recipe was originally published in 2012. It has been updated with new pictures and tips but the recipe remains the same.