Do you crave the irresistible crunch and savory flavors of classic fried chicken but want a healthier, easier way to enjoy it? This Oven Fried Chicken recipe is your answer! Enjoy this amazing option with this recipe for [Creamy Mac and Cheese] which adds comfort to this comfort food. This isn’t just a “baked chicken” recipe; it delivers the same crispy, golden-brown coating and juicy, tender interior as traditional fried chicken, but without all the added fat and mess.
The Oven Fried Chicken recipe will provide a healthy option. Perfect for a family dinner, potluck gathering, or satisfying your comfort food cravings any day of the week. Ditch the deep fryer and get ready to revolutionize your chicken game! This delicious Oven Fried Chicken will amaze your tastebuds.
The Key Ingredients:
To achieve that perfect balance of crispy texture and flavorful juiciness in your Oven Fried Chicken, you need the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed list with precise measurements: Information from the FDA, on cooking chicken to ensure best food safety practices, can be found here [FDA Chicken Cooking Guide].
Chicken Pieces: 2-3 pounds, bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (e.g., drumsticks, thighs, wings, breasts). Bone-in, skin-on chicken is crucial for achieving that classic fried chicken flavor and juiciness.
Buttermilk: 2 cups. Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, adds a tangy flavor.
Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Adds a touch of heat and depth of flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. Forms the base of the crispy coating.
Cornstarch: 1/2 cup. Cornstarch adds extra crispness to the coating.
Paprika: 2 tablespoons. Adds color and a smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder: 2 tablespoons. Enhances the savory flavor.
Onion Powder: 2 tablespoons. Adds depth of flavor.
Dried Thyme: 1 tablespoon. Adds a subtle herbal note.
Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon. Complements the other spices.
Salt: 2 teaspoons, or to taste. Enhances all the flavors.
Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a touch of warmth.
Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: 1/2 cup. Coating the baking sheet and drizzling over the chicken helps create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Now, let’s transform these ingredients into golden-brown, crispy perfection with this Oven Fried Chicken recipe. Follow these detailed instructions:
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to tenderize and absorb flavor for the perfect Oven Fried Chicken.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with vegetable oil or canola oil.
Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Don’t skip any spots!
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle a generous amount of vegetable oil or canola oil over the chicken pieces. This helps to create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and delicious Oven Fried Chicken.
Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips:
To ensure your Oven Fried Chicken is a culinary masterpiece, follow these helpful tips:
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is crucial for both tenderizing and adding flavor for your Oven Fried Chicken. Don’t skip this step!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the chicken to steam rather than bake, resulting in a soggy crust for the Oven Fried Chicken.
Use Plenty of Oil: Don’t be shy with the oil! The oil is essential for creating a crispy, golden-brown crust for your delicious Oven Fried Chicken.
Flip for Even Browning: Flipping the chicken pieces halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides for the perfect Oven Fried Chicken.
Check Internal Temperature: Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product in your Oven Fried Chicken.
Double Dip: For an extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken in the flour mixture for your amazing Oven Fried Chicken.
Elevate on a Rack: Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the chicken on the rack. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even crisping on your Oven Fried Chicken.
Storage Tips:
To maintain the flavor and texture of your Oven Fried Chicken, follow these storage guidelines:
Cool Completely: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
Store in Airtight Container: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent excess moisture.
Best Enjoyed Soon: Oven Fried Chicken is best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
Reheating Tip: To reheat and maintain crispiness, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for reheating. For more tips, the chicken authorities at this website can provide more information [Chicken Authorities].
Freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture of the crust.
Variations for Every Taste:
This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary imagination. Here are a few variations to try when creating your version of Oven Fried Chicken:
Spicy Oven Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Honey Garlic Oven Fried Chicken: Drizzle the baked chicken with a honey garlic glaze for sweetness.
Lemon Herb Oven Fried Chicken: Add lemon zest and dried herbs like rosemary and thyme to the flour mixture for a bright, aromatic twist.
Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken: Use buttermilk ranch dressing instead of plain buttermilk for marinating the chicken for additional flavours in the Oven Fried Chicken.
Parmesan Herb Oven Fried Chicken: Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs to the flour mixture for a savory and cheesy flavor.
Coconut Oven Fried Chicken: Substitute panko breadcrumbs for some of the flour and add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. You may want to add salt to highlight the sweetness.
Gluten-Free Oven Fried Chicken: Use gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions and to enable more people to enjoy Oven Fried Chicken.
Side Dish Suggestions:
Oven Fried Chicken is a versatile main course that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: A classic comfort food pairing.
Coleslaw: Provides a cool and tangy contrast to the crispy chicken.
Corn on the Cob: A perfect summer side dish.
Mac and Cheese: A kid-friendly favorite.
Biscuits: Serve with warm, buttery biscuits.
Green Beans: A simple and healthy side dish.
Potato Salad: A picnic staple, and perfect with this Oven Fried Chicken.
Watermelon: A refreshing and seasonal complement.
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
A: While you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the result will not be as juicy and flavorful as bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces in Oven Fried Chicken. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use almond flour for a gluten-free option in making this Oven Fried Chicken, but the texture may be slightly different.
Q: Can I use different spices in the coating for making this version of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices in the flour mix.
Q: Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?
A: The buttermilk marinade is highly recommended for tenderizing and flavoring the chicken in creating the best Oven Fried Chicken. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip it, but the result may not be as flavorful or tender.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature to check for the best results for your Oven Fried Chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: What if the chicken is browning too quickly?
A: If the chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking until the chicken is cooked through to produce the best Oven Fried Chicken.
Conclusion:
Oven Fried Chicken is more than just a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken; it’s a delicious and satisfying meal in its own right. With its crispy coating, juicy interior, and customizable flavors, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Say goodbye to the mess and guilt of traditional frying and hello to a healthier, easier, and equally delicious way to enjoy fried chicken! So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Oven Fried Chicken! Every bite is sure to bring the comfort you deserve!
PrintOven Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy & Healthier Recipe!
Crispy, golden-brown, and juicy Oven Fried Chicken that delivers all the flavor and crunch of traditional fried chicken without the mess or excess oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2–3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with vegetable oil.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour mixture, pressing firmly for a full coating. Shake off excess flour.
- Arrange coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet without overcrowding.
- Drizzle chicken with vegetable oil for crispiness.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, double dip chicken in the flour mixture. Placing the chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet helps ensure even crisping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: oven fried chicken, crispy chicken, baked fried chicken, comfort food