Having frozen breaded chicken on hand makes for a great quick and filling snack any time of the day. To make your snack health friendly, you should bake, rather than fry, your breaded chicken. The bake time and temperature will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces you are using. Shop-bought breaded chicken will usually come with time and temperature instructions on the box and should be followed accordingly. You can also make your own breaded chicken and freeze leftovers or extras for later use.

Preheat the oven to 204 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit).

Remove the chicken pieces from the container where they were being stored. If your frozen chicken is precooked, there is no need to defrost them before baking.

  • Having frozen breaded chicken on hand makes for a great quick and filling snack any time of the day.
  • If your frozen chicken is precooked, there is no need to defrost them before baking.

Grease the baking tray with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the tray.

Arrange the pieces on the baking tray. Make sure not to layer any of the pieces on top of each other because they will not get thoroughly cooked. If there is more chicken than will fit in the tray one layer thick, you will need to use another tray to bake all the chicken.

Place the tray on the centre rack of the oven when it reaches the correct temperature. For chicken nuggets, bake for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the nuggets over after half the time has passed. Use a timer to keep track of the time if you wish. For breaded chicken breasts, bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning over after half the time. Breaded chicken legs and thighs will take a bit longer to ensure that they are hot all the way through. Bake them for 30 to 35 minutes, turning over after half the time has passed.

  • Grease the baking tray with olive oil or cooking spray.
  • For chicken nuggets, bake for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the nuggets over after half the time has passed.

Remove breaded chicken from the oven. Cut one of the pieces in half with the knife. Pick it up with the fork and carefully touch the centre to make sure it is not still cold. If it is, place the tray back on the centre rack and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes. If your breaded chicken contains bones, slice a piece at the thickest part of the chicken piece to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.

  • Remove breaded chicken from the oven.
  • If it is, place the tray back on the centre rack and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes.

Set the tray on the hob or other heat protected surface. Allow the chicken to cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

TIP

Serve baked breaded chicken with baked potatoes or fries, plain yoghurt for dipping and assorted vegetables for a wholesome, nutritious meal.

WARNING

Use extreme caution when testing your chicken pieces for readiness. Always use potholders when handling the tray. Make sure to turn off the oven after you are finished baking.