Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Oven-fried chicken offers all the crispy, golden goodness of traditional fried chicken but with less mess and less oil. This recipe uses a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan crust that bakes to perfection, making it a healthier yet satisfying option for a family meal.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a wire rack set over a baking tray to allow air circulation and even crisping of the chicken.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and optional hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize and flavor the meat.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful crust.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly all over.
5. Step 5: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the tops of the chicken to help achieve a crispy and golden finish during baking.
6. Step 6: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
7. Step 7: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute, then serve warm and enjoy your crispy oven-fried chicken.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs in the coating.
• Try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix for a spicier kick.
• To keep the chicken skin extra crisp, bake on a wire rack so air circulates around each piece.
• Substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt thinned with a little milk if buttermilk is unavailable.

Storage

Store leftover oven-fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken pieces for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes to avoid drying out the meat.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor, but if short on time, you can skip this step. The coating will still crisp up nicely, though the chicken may be less juicy.

Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 54 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Oven-Fried Chicken recipe delivers the crispy, golden texture of traditional fried chicken using a healthier baking method. Marinated in buttermilk with optional hot sauce, and coated in a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, the chicken bakes to juicy perfection without deep frying. Perfect for a comforting family meal that’s both delicious and lighter in fat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Coating Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Oil

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a wire rack set over a baking tray. This setup allows for good air circulation, helping the chicken crisp evenly as it bakes.
2. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and optional hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and turn them to coat thoroughly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor.
3. Prepare coating mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture forms a flavorful and crispy crust for the chicken.
4. Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly all over.
5. Arrange and oil the chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter evenly over the tops to help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
6. Bake until cooked through: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached, ensuring the chicken is safely cooked and juicy.
7. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy, flavorful oven-fried chicken.

Notes

• Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
• You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for an even crispier texture.
• Using a wire rack allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
• Drizzling oil or butter on top is key to achieving a golden crust without deep frying.
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: oven-fried chicken, crispy baked chicken, buttermilk chicken, healthy fried chicken, baked chicken recipe