Crispy, Juicy Oven-fried Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy, golden chicken has been my ultimate comfort food since childhood.

My grandmother’s secret technique inspired this remarkable oven-fried chicken recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Southern kitchens understand the magic of perfectly seasoned poultry that crunches delightfully with each bite.

We’re talking about a method that brings restaurant-quality results straight from your home oven.

No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients complicate this straightforward approach.

Marinating creates deep, rich flavors that penetrate every succulent piece of meat.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your new weekend favorite.

How to Prepare Oven-fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven Setup

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper.

Place a wire rack on top to help air circulate and keep the chicken extra crispy.

Step 2: Buttermilk Bath Time

Dive your chicken pieces into a buttermilk bath.

Let them soak for at least an hour, or better yet, overnight.

This magical bath will tenderize the meat and create an incredible flavor base.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional for heat lovers)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly in a wide, shallow bowl.

Step 4: Coat and Prep Chicken

Lift each chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.

Roll the chicken generously in the seasoned coating, ensuring every nook and cranny gets covered in deliciousness.

Step 5: Set Up for Baking

Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack.

Give them a light spritz of cooking spray to help achieve that irresistible golden crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through.

Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, flavorful creation!

Helpful Tips for Oven-fried Chicken

• Soak chicken in buttermilk overnight to ensure maximum tenderness and deeper flavor penetration.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breadcrumbs adhere perfectly and create a crunchier exterior.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F, preventing undercooked meat and ensuring food safety.
• Using a wire rack allows hot air to circulate, making chicken evenly crisp on all sides without soggy bottoms.
• Light cooking spray helps breadcrumbs turn golden brown and adds extra crispiness without excess oil.

Flavor Variations for Oven-fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Chicken Delight: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Herb Chicken Explosion: Add dried thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes to the breading mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
• Low-Carb Chicken Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk for marinating and replace cooking spray with olive oil for those avoiding dairy products.

Serving Suggestions for Oven-fried Chicken

• Crispy Comfort Plate: Serve the golden chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans for a classic home-style meal.
• Southern Picnic Style: Pack the chicken in a basket with coleslaw, cornbread, and pickles for a delightful outdoor dining experience.
• Gourmet Chicken Sandwich: Slice the chicken and place between toasted brioche buns with tangy ranch or spicy aioli for a restaurant-worthy lunch.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Create a chicken and waffle combo by serving the crispy chicken atop fluffy waffles with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savory treat.

Storage Tips for Oven-fried Chicken

• Seal leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken pieces separate to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help restore crispiness. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk tenderizes the meat, making it juicy and soft by breaking down proteins. It adds flavor and helps the coating stick better to the chicken.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

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

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F. The chicken should be golden brown and have no pink meat when cut.

• What makes the coating crispy without deep-frying?

The wire rack allows air circulation, cooking spray adds extra crispiness, and high oven temperature helps create a crunchy exterior without excess oil.

The Best Oven-fried Chicken Overview

• Unlock Crispy Perfection: Achieve restaurant-quality fried chicken texture without the mess and extra oil of deep-frying, giving you a healthier yet incredibly satisfying meal.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Versatile recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, with customizable spice levels and a universally loved main dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
• Hassle-Free Cooking Method: Baking eliminates constant monitoring required with traditional frying, allowing you to prepare side dishes or spend time with family while the chicken cooks perfectly in the oven.

Ingredients for Oven-fried Chicken

• Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that serves as the star of this crispy oven-fried dish.
• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that helps tenderize the chicken and creates a flavorful marinade.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy, golden exterior for the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps the breading stick to the chicken and adds extra crispiness.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic spices that add depth and savory flavor to the chicken coating.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice that brings a gentle heat to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve an extra crispy exterior and promotes even browning.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Wire Rack: Allows air circulation for a crispier chicken coating.

The Best Oven-fried Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern-style oven-fried chicken delivers golden, crackling perfection without deep-frying messy oil. Herb-seasoned buttermilk coating and crunchy breadcrumb exterior promise restaurant-quality results right from home kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

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

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) and arrange a wire rack atop a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal air circulation.
2. Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing flavors to penetrate and tenderize for a minimum of 60 minutes, preferably overnight.
3. Create a seasoned coating by thoroughly blending breadcrumbs, flour, and an aromatic mix of spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
4. Drain chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then meticulously dredge each piece in the spiced coating, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Strategically position the breaded chicken on the prepared wire rack, then lightly mist with cooking spray to encourage a crisp, golden exterior.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform browning, until the chicken achieves a rich golden color and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F.
7. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with yogurt or plant-based milk to create a dairy-free version that maintains the same tender, juicy texture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before marinating to ensure the coating adheres perfectly and creates an extra crispy exterior.
• Allow chicken to come to room temperature before coating and baking, which helps ensure even cooking and prevents soggy breading.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg