The Best Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe: Golden, Crispy Delight

Crispy, golden chicken that sings with flavor bursts onto your plate with this oven-fried chicken recipe.

Southern kitchens have perfected a technique that rivals deep-frying without excess oil.

Secrets from generations of home cooks shine through every crunchy bite.

Marinating creates tender meat beneath an irresistible, crackling exterior.

Pantry staples become magic when combined with simple spice blends.

A foolproof method guarantees juicy chicken that everyone will devour.

Let’s unlock the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance.

FAQs

• Why buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and soft by breaking down proteins and adding tangy flavor to the meat.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute, buttermilk provides better texture and taste. If needed, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk to mimic buttermilk’s properties.

• How do I ensure the chicken is crispy?

Use a combination of breadcrumbs and flour, and lightly spray with cooking spray before baking. This helps create a golden, crunchy exterior without deep-frying.

• What if I don't have all the spices?

You can use a pre-made seasoning blend like Italian herbs or chicken seasoning. The key is to have a mix of flavors that complement the chicken.

Oven-Fried Chicken You Can’t Resist

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Buttermilk marinade infuses rich, tangy flavors into every chicken piece, creating a mouthwatering taste experience that elevates traditional fried chicken.
• Healthier Cooking Approach: Oven-baking replaces deep-frying, significantly reducing oil usage while maintaining a crispy, crunchy exterior that satisfies comfort food cravings.
• Foolproof Family Meal: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring consistent delicious results every single time.
• Quick Preparation Technique: Minimal prep work and basic pantry staples allow anyone to create a restaurant-quality chicken dish without complex cooking methods or extensive kitchen skills.

Ingredients For Oven-Fried Chicken

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the main star of this crispy oven-fried dish.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor to the meat.

• Breadcrumbs, All-Purpose Flour: Create a crispy, golden exterior that gives the chicken its signature crunch.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Provide a complex and bold seasoning profile for the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Cooking Spray: Helps create an extra crispy and golden exterior while preventing sticking.

Stepwise Oven-Fried Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Soak Chicken In Tangy Bath

• Refrigerator method: Cover and chill for 30 minutes to overnight
• Quick method: Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Prepare Chicken For Coating

Drain chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off.

Gently press each piece into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Arrange On Baking Sheet

Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.

Leave space between pieces for even cooking. Lightly spray chicken with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through cooking.

• Golden brown exterior
• Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove chicken from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices and allows coating to set.

Serve hot and enjoy your crispy oven-fried chicken!

Tips To Perfect Oven-Fried Chicken

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy, light coating that stays crunchy after baking.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure breadcrumb mixture adheres perfectly and creates a golden, crisp exterior.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising texture.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on spice preference, reducing for mild flavor or increasing for extra kick.

New Takes On Oven-Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Herb Chicken: Add dried thyme, rosemary, and extra cayenne pepper for a bolder, more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or grated parmesan cheese to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and olive oil spray for those with dairy restrictions.

Pairings For Oven-Fried Chicken

• Family Picnic Platter: Pack the crispy chicken pieces in a sturdy container with fresh coleslaw and cornbread for a delightful outdoor meal that's easy to transport and enjoy.
• Comfort Dinner Bowl: Slice the chicken and serve over creamy mashed potatoes with steamed green beans, creating a hearty and satisfying weekend dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Game Day Appetizer: Cut chicken into bite-sized nuggets, pair with tangy ranch or spicy buffalo dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing snack during sports events or movie nights.
• Southern-Style Sandwich: Layer sliced chicken between soft buttermilk biscuits with a drizzle of honey mustard and crisp lettuce for a classic Southern-inspired lunch option.

How To Store Oven-Fried Chicken Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing in the container to keep moisture locked in.
• Reheat chicken in the oven at 350F (175C) for best results, preserving the crispy coating and preventing dryness.
• Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), ensuring safe and delicious reheated chicken.

Crispy Oven-fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern-style oven-fried chicken delivers irresistible golden-brown perfection without excess oil. Home cooks can easily master this classic comfort dish with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks

Breading Ingredients:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Liquid Ingredient:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk

Cooking Spray:

• Cooking spray or oil mist

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Instructions

1. Create a crispy, golden coating by blending breadcrumbs with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing them to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor absorption.
3. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
4. Carefully remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drain, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
5. Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between them for optimal crispiness.
6. Lightly mist the chicken with cooking spray to promote golden browning and enhance exterior crunch.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, rotating the pieces midway through cooking to ensure uniform browning.
8. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer.
9. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps retain moisture and makes the meat more tender.

Notes

• Buttermilk tenderizes chicken, making it extra juicy and soft by breaking down muscle proteins during marinating.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Pat chicken completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and better breading adherence.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customizable heat levels for different preferences.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg