Crispy French Fried Onion Chicken – Easy & Delicious

If you’re looking for a crispy, flavorful chicken recipe that’s quick to make and pairs perfectly with fried favorites like onion rings, steak tips, and sliced sausage, this Crispy French Fried Onion Chicken is your new go-to. With a crunchy coating made from French-fried onions, this oven-baked chicken delivers all the satisfaction of deep-fried comfort food without the mess.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy French Fried Onion Chicken

• Crunchy, golden coating: Crushed French-fried onions give each bite a satisfying crisp.
• Oven-baked convenience: All the crispiness without deep frying.
• Family-friendly flavors: Mild seasonings that kids and adults adore.
• Versatile sides: Pairs perfectly with onion rings, steak tips, sliced sausage, and fries.
• Quick weeknight dinner: Ready in about 30 minutes.

This recipe isn’t just about chicken—it’s a full fried-meat feast that will delight any comfort-food lover.

Ingredients for Crispy French Fried Onion Chicken

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (or thin chicken breasts)
• 1 ½ cups French-fried onions, crushed
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 2 large eggs, beaten

For Onion Rings

• 2 large onions, sliced into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• Oil for frying

For Steak Tips

• 1 pound beef steak tips (sirloin or tenderloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Sliced Sausage

• 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken substitutes: Turkey cutlets, tofu, or tempeh work well for a poultry-free option.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk for the onion rings.
• Health swaps: Bake onion rings instead of frying for lower fat; choose lean steak tips.
• Flavor boost: Add paprika, cayenne, or smoked paprika to the chicken coating for extra kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pat chicken cutlets dry and season with seasoned salt.
3. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix crushed French-fried onions, flour, and garlic powder.

Step 2 – Coat the Chicken

1. Dip each chicken cutlet in the beaten eggs.
2. Press the chicken into the onion-flour mixture until fully coated.
3. Place coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

Step 3 – Bake the Chicken

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4 – Cook the Onion Rings

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Dip onion rings in flour mixture, then milk, then breadcrumbs.
3. Fry in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5 – Sear the Steak Tips

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add steak tips, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness.

Step 6 – Sauté the Sliced Sausage

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sausage slices and cook 3–4 minutes per side until slightly crispy.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Wire rack baking: Keeps the chicken crispy all around.
2. Don’t overcrowd: Give chicken and onion rings space for even cooking.
3. Fresh onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia make the best rings.
4. Check internal temperature: Chicken must reach 165°F to be safe.
5. Make-ahead: Prepare onion coating in advance for faster weeknight cooking.
6. Extra crunch: Mix panko with crushed French-fried onions for ultra-crisp coating.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy: Add cayenne or chili powder to the onion coating.
• Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan into the onion mixture.
• Herb-infused: Mix dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the flour coating.
• Asian twist: Add sesame seeds and a splash of soy sauce to the coating.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chicken alongside golden fries and crispy onion rings.
• Pair steak tips and sliced sausage with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Include dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ for extra indulgence.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze uncooked coated chicken for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding extra 10 minutes to cooking time.
• Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, avoid microwaving if possible.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Chicken Only)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310
Protein	35g
Carbs	12g
Fat	15g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	450mg

(Values approximate; varies with sides and exact ingredients.)

FAQ About Crispy French Fried Onion Chicken

H3: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free French-fried onions. Panko or breadcrumbs for onion rings can also be substituted with gluten-free options.

H3: Can I fry the chicken instead of baking?

Absolutely. Frying in 350°F oil for 4–5 minutes per side creates an even crispier crust, though baking is easier and healthier.

H3: What sides go best with this dish?

Classic sides include French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, and roasted veggies. Adding steak tips and sliced sausage makes it a full fried-meat feast.

H3: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, coat the chicken and store in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Onion rings are best made fresh to stay crispy.

H3: How do I keep the chicken crispy after baking?

Use a wire rack to bake instead of a solid sheet pan, and avoid covering it until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy French Fried Onion Chicken is more than just a main dish—it’s the centerpiece of a fried-meat feast with onion rings, steak tips, and sliced sausage. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game-day celebrations, it offers a crispy, flavorful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, it’s the ultimate comfort-food recipe.