This Oven Baked Fried Chicken offers all the crispy, crunchy goodness of traditional fried chicken, but with much less oil and mess. By using a flavorful seasoned coating and baking the chicken at a high temperature, you get juicy, tender meat with a perfectly crisp exterior. It’s a healthier twist on the classic dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Pair it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated, and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs (or cornflakes), flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure an even coating.
- Place on baking sheet: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or spray a light amount of olive oil over the top of the chicken to help it crisp up.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Flip the chicken halfway through baking for even crispiness.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, oven-baked fried chicken!
This recipe offers the perfect balance of crunchy texture and tender meat without the need for deep frying!
