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Home » Chicken Recipes

25 Crispy Chicken Recipes That Are Better Than Fried

Published: Dec 8, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Crispy chicken recipes that rival your favorite takeout are a weeknight dream come true. Forget about the fryer—these recipes deliver all the crunch you crave without the grease. Whether you’re looking for a simple family dinner or something special for game day, these 29 recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that will make any chicken lover’s heart sing. From air fryer to baked versions, each recipe is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them great for any occasion.

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side.
Chicken Karaage. Photo Credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer chicken legs cook up with a perfectly crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside in just 25 minutes. This quick and easy option is ideal for weeknight meals when you want something simple but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer chicken leg quarters get golden, crispy skin while remaining tender and juicy on the inside, making them a convenient and fast dinner option for busy nights. The air fryer allows for easy preparation with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken with golden potatoes delivers both crispy skin and tender meat for a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly fall evenings. It requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Breaded italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with sliced lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Italian chicken cutlets are quick, versatile, and satisfy cravings for something salty and crispy. This simple recipe outshines typical takeout options with its ease and delicious flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air fryer whole chicken cooks up with a golden, crispy skin and juicy meat seasoned with herbs and spices. It’s a versatile choice for Thanksgiving or any time you’re looking for a delicious, hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Buffalo chicken egg rolls on a wooden cutting board with celery and sprinkled with blue cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Buffalo chicken egg rolls combine the satisfying crunch of egg rolls with the bold flavors of spicy buffalo chicken. With just six ingredients, this easy recipe delivers a tasty and crispy bite in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Colombian Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Colombian Chicken Drumsticks are marinated in a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and lime, resulting in crispy, zesty drumsticks. It’s a flavorful choice for a casual family dinner or a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Chicken Drumsticks

Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters

Overhead image of broiled chicken leg quarter with veggies on a plate.
Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters are perfect for a quick, easy dinner! Seasoned with garlic and fresh lemon juice, they cook up in just 30 minutes, providing a flavorful and healthy option that’s paleo and keto-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken Karaage

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side.
Chicken Karaage. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken karaage features golden brown, juicy pieces that are extra crispy on the outside. This popular Japanese dish brings takeout flavors right into your kitchen, making it perfect for at-home comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs on a plate with parsley and a fork.
Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken thighs combine tender chicken with crispy bacon in a simple and delicious recipe. It’s a hassle-free option that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Buffalo chicken tenders cooked in an air fryer offer a crave-worthy texture with the bold heat of buffalo sauce. These easy-to-make tenders are perfect for weeknight dinners, bringing a tasty twist to classic chicken dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pecan chicken with honey Dijon yogurt sauce is a satisfying and flavorful dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The crunchy pecan coating and creamy honey Dijon yogurt sauce make it a delightful and easy-to-make meal.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Four bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with parsley garnish on white plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs offer a satisfying combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon. The natural juiciness of the chicken pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon, creating a delicious and flavorful bite every time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wing

Top view of air fryer buffalo wings with a small bowl of white dip on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wing. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Get ready to have the best air fryer buffalo wings you’ve tasted. This recipe delivers crispy, spicy wings with all the flavor you love about chicken wings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wing

Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer chipotle chicken wings provide a spicy, crispy exterior with a juicy interior. Paired with homemade firecracker ranch dressing, they pack a punch of flavor, making them ideal for game day or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings

Easy Air Fryer Shake n Bake Chicken Breast

Easy Air Fryer Shake n Bake Chicken Breast on a white plate with a salad topped with bell peppers and parmesan.
Easy Air Fryer Shake n Bake Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Breast is a quick and easy dinner option that results in crispy chicken every time. This simple recipe shows how chicken breast can be both easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Shake n Bake Chicken Breast

Easy Baked Chicken Legs

Close-up image of baked chicken legs.
Easy Baked Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Baked chicken legs get a perfect crispy skin and juicy meat. This classic dish is easy to prepare and consistently flavorful with just a handful of pantry ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Chicken Legs

Crispy Panko Chicken Tenders

Overhead image of crispy panko chicken tenders with dip on a plate.
Crispy Panko Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Homemade chicken tenders coated in airy, crispy panko breadcrumbs come together quickly in just 15 minutes. This recipe offers a simple, fast, and flavorful meal option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Panko Chicken Tenders

Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Legs

Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Legs on a white plate with parsley.
Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Legs feature a seasoned, crunchy exterior and juicy interior. This quick and easy recipe delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Legs

Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, made quickly with canned chicken and crushed pork rinds. This simple recipe is perfect for a fast, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Crispy Coconut Chicken

Overhead image of crispy coconut chicken.
Crispy Coconut Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Crispy Coconut Chicken is made with boneless, skinless thighs, offering a deliciously crunchy option for chicken. This recipe is perfect for those who crave crispy chicken but prefer a lighter, healthier version.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Coconut Chicken

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For game day or any casual gathering, Air Fryer Chicken Wings provide a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-style wings at home, making them a favorite for cooks of all levels.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer chicken fried steak offers a crispy, tender meal using cubed steak. Topped with simple gravy, this Southern-style dish is a comfort food classic that’s perfect for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Juicy garlic parmesan sheet pan chicken drumsticks provide a healthy, flavorful dinner with minimal effort. This easy recipe makes weeknight dinners a breeze with quick prep and minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer chicken parmesan features a crispy coating with juicy chicken and melted cheese. This classic Italian dish beats takeout with its hearty and satisfying flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

More Chicken Recipes

  • A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
    Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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