Pollo Empanizado Recipe Easy and Crispy at Home

Pollo empanizado is a beloved dish in many Latin American kitchens, combining crispy, golden breading with tender, juicy chicken. This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings for something crunchy yet savory.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a tasty meal for friends, this pollo empanizado recipe is straightforward and delivers consistently delicious results.

The secret to a perfectly breaded chicken lies in the coating and the frying technique, which ensures that the crust stays crunchy while locking in the chicken’s moisture. This recipe also incorporates simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, making it an all-around crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pollo empanizado recipe stands out because it’s easy to prepare, uses accessible ingredients, and yields restaurant-quality results at home. The breading is crisp without being greasy, thanks to the right combination of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.

You can customize the spices to your liking, whether you want a hint of garlic, paprika, or even a little heat from chili powder.

It’s also a healthier alternative to heavy fried chicken recipes, as you can control the oil temperature and cooking time to avoid excess oil absorption. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1-2 cups)
• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)

Equipment

• Large shallow bowls (for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs)
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (to flatten chicken breasts)
• Heavy skillet or frying pan
• Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
• Thermometer (optional, to check oil temperature)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
2. Season the flour: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder. Mix well.
3. Prepare the egg wash and breadcrumbs: In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
4. Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs, ensuring a good coating on all sides.
5. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into your skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small breadcrumb into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
6. Fry the chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
7. Drain and rest: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and enjoy immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch: Mix 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken.

Oven-baked option: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a smoky, spicy kick.

Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour and gluten-free panko.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Pollo empanizado pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a balanced, satisfying meal. Consider serving it alongside arroz con cilantro y limón for a fresh, zesty rice dish.

A side of frijoles negros refritos (refried black beans) adds a creamy texture and complementary flavors.

For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a medley of grilled vegetables. Don’t forget the classic accompaniment of freshly sliced avocado or guacamole to add richness and creaminess to each bite.

Conclusion

Making pollo empanizado at home is a rewarding experience that brings the flavors of Latin America right to your kitchen. This recipe delivers perfectly breaded, juicy chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Its simplicity makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels, and its delicious results ensure it will become a favorite meal for your family and guests.

With customizable seasoning options and the ability to bake instead of fry, this dish caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you serve it for a casual weekday dinner or a festive gathering, pollo empanizado is a versatile and flavorful choice that will impress everyone at the table.

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