There’s something incredibly satisfying about the crunch of a perfectly baked chicken goujon. Picture this: the inviting aroma of baked chicken filling your kitchen while golden strips of tender chicken await your approval. These Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Goujons are not just a healthier twist on the beloved classic; they’re quick to whip up and will impress even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table.
When I first decided to swap out deep-fried chicken for an oven-baked approach, I was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant flavors and delightful crunch this recipe delivers. There’s no greasy aftermath here, just good, wholesome goodness that pairs perfectly with coleslaw or crispy fries. Plus, they can easily cater to any dietary preference with gluten-free options.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for a culinary experience that brings joy to your palate without compromising on health. Ready to create a family favorite that everyone will adore? Let’s dive in!
Why are The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons a Must-Try?
Irresistible Crunch: The exterior is perfectly crispy, while the chicken inside remains juicy and tender.
Health-Conscious Choice: These goujons are a guilt-free alternative to deep-frying, allowing you to enjoy your favorites without the extra calories.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time means dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Delight: Serve them with a variety of dips and sides like coleslaw or fries, tailored to please everyone at the table.
Family-Friendly Flair: Even the pickiest eaters will love these goujons, making them a surefire hit for the whole family!
Try them out, and discover a delightful twist on a classic that the entire family will ask for time and time again!
The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken breast – Fresh cuts provide the main protein for a juicy finish.
- Large eggs – Binds the coating to the chicken, ensuring a crispy result.
For the Coating
- Plain/all-purpose flour – Acts as a base to help the breadcrumbs stick; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular) – Adds delightful crunch; gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a healthier choice.
- Paprika – Infuses flavor and a pop of color; substitute with your favorite spices to tailor the taste.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning, adjust according to personal preference.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – Enhances flavor and adds extra crunch to the coating.
For Baking
- Olive oil – Helps achieve that perfect crispiness while baking; optional but recommended for flavor enhancement.
Embrace the joy of preparing The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons with these simple yet essential ingredients!
How to Make The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). While it’s warming up, grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Prepare the Chicken: Take your chicken breast and cut it into finger-width strips. Ensure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking, offering a delightful texture in every bite.
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Mix Coatings: In three separate bowls, combine the flour with paprika, beat the eggs until frothy, and have your breadcrumbs ready in the third bowl. This setup will make coating the chicken a breeze!
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Coat the Chicken: Start by taking a chicken strip, dip it in the flour mixture first, ensuring it’s well coated. Next, dredge it in the egg wash, and finally roll it generously in the breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
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Arrange and Drizzle: Place the breaded goujons on the prepared baking tray. Drizzle a little olive oil over them for added crispness, ensuring they have even coverage.
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Bake: Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to guarantee they’re fully cooked.
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Air Fryer Option: For a quicker alternative, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook the goujons for about 12 minutes without flipping. They’ll still come out beautifully crispy!
Optional: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a delightful twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons
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Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breast for juicy goujons. Avoid frozen chicken, as it may lead to a rubbery texture.
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Perfect Coating Technique: Ensure the chicken strips are coated fully in each step: flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Skipping any can result in uneven texture during baking.
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Maintain crispiness: For best results, drizzle olive oil over goujons before baking. This will help create that desired crispy crust without excess grease.
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Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken goujons.
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Storage Tips: Store leftover goujons in an airtight container to prevent sogginess. Reheat them in the oven to restore their delightful crunch before serving.
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Dip Varieties: Experiment with a variety of dips, such as honey mustard or sweet chili sauce, to enhance flavors and create excitement at mealtime.
Enjoy making The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons to share with family and friends!
Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Goujons Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these goujons to suit your taste buds.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to keep the recipe celiac-friendly while maintaining crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a fiery twist that elevates the flavor.
- Herb Delight: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb mix for an aromatic touch that brightens each bite.
- Cheesy Zing: Mix in some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy, flavorful crust that’s hard to resist.
- Zesty Citrus: For a refreshing flavor, add lemon or lime zest to the flour mix, bringing in a hint of brightness and zestiness.
- Savory Twist: Try using buttermilk instead of eggs for a richer flavor and tender texture that decadently complements the chicken.
- Crunchy Seeds: Toss in sesame seeds or flaxseeds to the breadcrumbs for added nutrition and delightful crunch in every mouthful.
- Sweet Variation: Dip in a sweet marinade before baking, such as teriyaki or sweet chili, to caramelize and create a tantalizing contrast of flavors.
Let these variations inspire you to craft your perfect plate of crispy goodness!
How to Store and Freeze The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons
Fridge: Keep leftover goujons in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures they stay fresh and crispy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked goujons in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 20 minutes or until heated through, maintaining that signature crunch.
Thawing: If you thaw the goujons in the fridge before reheating, they’ll retain better texture; however, don’t refreeze after thawing for best results.
What to Serve with Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Goujons?
Elevate your family dinner with delightful side dishes that complement the golden, crispy goujons beautifully!
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Creamy Coleslaw: This refreshing side adds a crunchy, creamy contrast, balancing the satisfying crunch of the goujons.
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Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious choice, its vibrant color and slightly bitter flavor enhance the rich taste of the chicken while boosting your meal’s healthiness.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweet, caramelized notes pair perfectly with the savory goujons, adding a delightful twist to your plate.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, these potatoes provide a smooth texture to contrast the crunchy chicken, making every bite enjoyable.
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Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: Sweet and tangy, this sauce elevates your goujons to new heights, inviting fun for each family member to join in dipping.
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Crisp Garden Salad: A light mix of greens and veggies brings freshness, balancing the richness of the chicken for a wholesome meal experience.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and zesty, this drink option perfectly cleanses the palate between bites of that crispy goodness.
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Dark Chocolate Mousse: End on a sweet note, where the rich, velvety texture contrasts with the crunchy goujons, creating a perfectly rounded meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Goujons are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner even on the busiest weeknights! You can prepare the breaded chicken goujons up to 24 hours in advance by assembling them and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their crispiness, keep the goujons unbaked until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to dig in, simply preheat your oven (or air fryer), place the goujons on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for about 20 minutes at 200°C (390°F) or air fry for 12 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Enjoy the satisfying crunch without the last-minute hassle!
The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best crispy baked chicken goujons, opt for fresh chicken breast cuts. They provide the juiciest, most tender bites. Look for meat that is pale pink with minimal dark spots, as these indicate freshness. Avoid any chicken that has a slimy texture or off-putting odor – these are signs of spoilage.
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What’s the best way to store leftover chicken goujons?
Store any leftover goujons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and helps maintain their crispy texture. To reheat, place them back in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 10 minutes until heated through, ensuring they regain that delightful crunch.
Can I freeze leftovers, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze your crispy baked chicken goujons! For best results, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for a couple of hours until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat from frozen by baking at 200°C (390°F) for about 20 minutes until hot and crispy.
What should I do if my goujons aren’t crispy?
Very much! If your chicken goujons aren’t turning out crispy, check a couple of things. Firstly, make sure you’ve drizzled enough olive oil over them before baking – this helps facilitate the crisping process. Secondly, ensure that your breadcrumbs are fresh and fully coated on the chicken. If they still seem soggy, reheat them in the oven for a bit longer until they achieve that golden, crispy finish.
Are these chicken goujons safe for people with gluten allergies?
Definitely! To make gluten-free crispy baked chicken goujons, simply substitute plain flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish without worry! Always label the ingredients you use, and check packaging for any potential cross-contamination if you’re serving those with gluten sensitivities.
The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Goujons You’ll Ever Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Cut the chicken breast into finger-width strips, ensuring they're evenly sized.
- In three separate bowls, combine the flour with paprika, beat the eggs until frothy, and prepare the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken strip by dipping it in flour, then egg wash, and finally rolling it in breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the breaded goujons on the baking tray and drizzle olive oil over them.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- For an air fryer option, preheat to 180°C (350°F) and cook the goujons for about 12 minutes without flipping.