Zesty Italian BFC Recipe

Introduction

This Zesty Italian BFC is a crispy, flavorful chicken dish perfect for a satisfying meal. Marinated in Italian herbs and coated with a parmesan breadcrumb blend, it bakes up golden and delicious every time.

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (room temperature & patted dry)
• 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
• 2 eggs
• 2 packets zesty Italian dressing mix (divided)
• 2 tbsp dried rosemary
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• 2 ½ cups plain panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• 3 oz grated parmesan
• ¼ cup olive oil (divided)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, drumsticks, eggs, 1 packet of zesty Italian dressing mix, dried rosemary, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Mix with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a large ziplock bag, add plain panko, seasoned panko, the remaining packet of zesty Italian dressing mix, and grated parmesan. Seal and shake to combine evenly. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and placing a baking rack on top. The rack ensures the chicken crisps evenly on all sides.
4. Step 4: Working in batches, place 3 pieces of marinated chicken into the breadcrumb bag. Seal and shake until each piece is fully coated. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking rack. Press extra breadcrumbs onto any bare spots. Save leftover breadcrumbs in the bag for later use.
5. Step 5: Drizzle about 1/8 cup of olive oil over the coated chicken. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 40 minutes. Flip each piece, reapply breadcrumbs if needed, drizzle another 1/8 cup (or more) of olive oil on the flipped side, then continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, make sure the chicken is dry before marinating and use the baking rack so heat circulates well.
• Substitute fresh rosemary for dried if available for a brighter herb flavor.
• Try swapping parmesan for pecorino romano for a sharper cheese taste.
• To add a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb mixture.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the breading soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier and have better flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly as boneless pieces will cook faster.

Is it necessary to use both plain and seasoned panko breadcrumbs?

Using a mix of plain and seasoned panko adds deeper flavor and varied texture, especially combined with parmesan and dressing mix, but you can use all seasoned panko if preferred.

Zesty Italian BFC Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 137 reviews

Zesty Italian BFC is a flavorful and crispy baked fried chicken recipe that combines juicy bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks marinated in zesty Italian dressing, herbs, and spices. Coated in a parmesan-infused breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection, this dish offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken while delivering a satisfying crunch and vibrant Italian-inspired flavors.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 2.5 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (room temperature & patted dry)
• 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
• 2 eggs
• 1 packet zesty Italian dressing mix (divided)
• 2 tbsp dried rosemary
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper

Breadcrumb Coating

• 2 ½ cups plain panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• 1 packet zesty Italian dressing mix (remaining)
• 3 oz grated parmesan cheese

Finishing

• ¼ cup olive oil (divided, about 1/8 cup for each drizzle)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, drumsticks, eggs, 1 packet of zesty Italian dressing mix, dried rosemary, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix and coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: Add plain panko breadcrumbs, seasoned panko breadcrumbs, the remaining packet of zesty Italian dressing mix, and grated parmesan cheese into a large ziplock bag. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until everything is well combined. Set aside this breadcrumb mixture for coating the chicken.
3. Set Up Baking Equipment: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place a baking rack on top. The rack is essential for air circulation and helps the chicken crisp evenly on all sides while baking.
4. Coat the Chicken with Breadcrumbs: Working in batches (about 3 pieces at a time), place the marinated chicken pieces into the ziplock bag with the breadcrumb mixture. Seal and shake the bag to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on the baking rack. Press extra breadcrumbs onto any spots that seem thinly coated to ensure a crispy crust.
5. Drizzle Olive Oil and Bake: Drizzle approximately 1/8 cup of olive oil evenly over the coated chicken pieces to promote browning and crispness. Transfer the baking sheet to a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C).
6. Flip and Finish Baking: After 40 minutes of baking, carefully flip each chicken piece to ensure even cooking. If any breadcrumbs have dislodged, press some from the reserved mixture back onto the chicken. Drizzle another 1/8 cup of olive oil over the flipped side. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, golden, and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, zesty Italian flavor-packed BFC!

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes is crucial to let the flavors penetrate deeply.
• The baking rack allows air to circulate and results in crispier chicken on all sides.
• Drizzling olive oil before and after flipping ensures a golden, crispy crust without deep frying.
• Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking.
• Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley after baking for added brightness.

Keywords: zesty Italian BFC, baked fried chicken, Italian chicken recipe, crispy baked chicken, chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, parmesan breadcrumb chicken, easy dinner recipe