Step 1

Heat the oven to 400°F

Step 2

Combine the breadcrumbs, salt, sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne and your choice of dried herbs in a large zip-top bag

Step 3

Seal the bag and toss the spice mixture until combined

Step 4

Open the bag, drizzle in the oil

Step 5

Seal the bag and mix again until the oil is fully incorporated

Step 6

Fill a medium-sized bowl or pie pan with a little water

Step 7

Working with one chicken breast or pork chop at a time, moisten the meat with the water, allowing any excess to drip off back into the pan

Step 8

This will help the spiced breadcrumb mixture adhere to the meat

Step 9

One at a time, add the pieces of chicken or pork to the bag of seasoned breadcrumbs

Step 10

Add one piece, seal the bag and shake until the meat is completely covered in breadcrumbs

Step 11

Open the bag and move the crumb-coated meat to an ungreased or foil-covered rimmed baking sheet

Step 12

Repeat with remaining pieces or meat

Step 13

Cook until the internal temperature of the meat is where it’s supposed to be when checked with an instant-read thermometer—165° F for chicken or 145°F for pork chops

Step 14

It will take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your meat

Step 15

Do not cover or turn the meat while baking.