If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful fried chicken without the mess of deep frying, this is The Best Oven Fried Chicken recipe just what you need. With a perfectly seasoned coating and juicy, tender meat, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup melted butter
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Prepare the Breading: While the chicken marinates, prepare the breading mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and baking powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of each piece. This will help achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Serving Tips:
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Pairing: Serve your oven-fried chicken with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. It also goes well with cornbread or a side of steamed vegetables.
Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo, to cater to different tastes.
Storage Tips:
Cooling: Allow leftover chicken to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess.
Refrigeration: Store the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to store the chicken for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen oven-fried chicken can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.
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FAQs:
Can I use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, but they are equally delicious. Adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may cook a bit faster or slower than breasts. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream as an alternative.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance. After marinating and coating the chicken, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How do I make the coating extra crispy?
To achieve an extra crispy coating, you can use panko breadcrumbs mixed with the flour mixture. The addition of panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken an extra crunch. Also, make sure to drizzle enough melted butter over the chicken to help the coating crisp up during baking.
Conclusion:
This oven-fried chicken is perfect for a weeknight dinner, weekend gathering, or any occasion where you want a comforting, crispy treat without the hassle of frying. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
📖 Recipe:
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The Best Oven Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Experience the perfect balance of crispy and juicy with our Oven-Fried Chicken recipe. Coated in a flavorful blend of spices and baked to golden perfection, this healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken will become a favorite at your dinner table. With minimal prep and a deliciously crunchy crust, it’s an easy weeknight meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a bowl with buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Breading: In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme, and baking powder.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, shaking off excess. Dredge in flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Bake Chicken: Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
Marinating: For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
Coating: Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken for a crispier texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
