Craving the crispy perfection of fried chicken without the guilt? This Unfried Chicken WW recipe is a game-changer for healthy comfort food lovers. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are coated in a golden blend of panko and whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a flavorful medley of spices, then baked to crunchy perfection using just a spritz of cooking spray. Marinated in low-fat buttermilk for extra moisture, this oven-baked alternative is lower in fat and calories but packed with satisfying crunch and savory flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, itβs the perfect lightened-up solution for weeknight dinners served with veggies or a tangy dipping sauce. Try this Weight Watchers-friendly take on classic fried chicken for a dish thatβs as nutritious as it is delicious!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a lightly oiled wire rack for even crispier results.
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
Pour the buttermilk into a shallow bowl. If desired, season the buttermilk with a pinch of additional salt or pepper.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated, and then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating gently to adhere.
Place the breaded chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray to help the coating crisp up during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Calories |
1323 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.2 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 502 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 2432 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.1 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.3 g | ||
| Protein | 197.0 g | 394% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 521 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 2097 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.