The Best Oven-fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful Comfort Food

Crispy, golden chicken has always been my ultimate comfort meal, and this oven-fried chicken recipe delivers unbelievable flavor without excessive grease.

My kitchen experiments led me to discover a foolproof method that guarantees maximum crunch.

Seasoned breadcrumbs create an irresistible exterior that locks in tender, juicy meat.

Salt, pepper, and paprika work magic on each piece, promising restaurant-quality results straight from your home oven.

Forget complicated techniques that require deep-frying or multiple steps.

Simple ingredients and smart techniques make this dish accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll want to bookmark this game-changing recipe that turns ordinary chicken into a spectacular dinner sensation.

The Best Oven-Fried Chicken Ever

• Boost Crispiness Without Deep-Frying: Achieve golden, crunchy chicken using the oven, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Marinate chicken in buttermilk to tenderize and infuse rich flavor, then coat with a simple seasoned breadcrumb mixture for a deliciously crisp exterior.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, comforting taste and satisfying crunch.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily adaptable to different seasonings and serving styles, whether paired with classic sides, stuffed in sandwiches, or served over salads for a protein-packed meal.

Ingredients for Oven-Fried Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Flavorful protein that forms the main star of this crispy oven-fried recipe.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps create a tangy, moist base for the coating.

• Breadcrumbs, Flour: Provide a crispy, golden exterior that gives the chicken its signature crunch.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add depth of flavor and aromatic spice to the chicken coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil, Melted Butter: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor to the chicken.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Prepare Oven-Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Buttermilk Bath

Submerge chicken pieces completely in buttermilk. Let them soak and tenderize for a minimum of one hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Mix the Crunchy Coating

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

Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a wide, shallow bowl to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Drain and Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Roll each piece generously in the seasoned coating mixture, pressing gently to help the breading adhere completely.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.

Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-45 minutes, turning the chicken pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Step 7: Check and Serve

Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F for safe consumption.

The chicken should be golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious crunch!

Tips to Achieve Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken

• Soak chicken in buttermilk overnight to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor infusion throughout the meat.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and create a lighter, crunchier coating that stays crisp even after cooling.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to help breadcrumb mixture adhere better and achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Drizzle olive oil or melted butter sparingly to prevent soggy breading and promote even browning across the chicken pieces.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and preventing dryness.

Flavor Variations on Oven-Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a fiery kick.
• Herb Garden Chicken: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the coating for an aromatic herbal profile.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining crispy texture.

What Goes Well with Oven-Fried Chicken

• Crispy Comfort Platter: Serve the golden chicken on a large wooden board with rustic utensils, creating a homestyle family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
• Southern-Style Picnic Spread: Pair the chicken with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, and fresh corn on the cob for a traditional southern comfort meal that celebrates down-home cooking.
• Gourmet Chicken and Salad Combo: Place the crispy chicken atop a bed of mixed greens with a zesty herb vinaigrette, adding fresh cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers for a lighter, fresher take on the classic dish.
• Dipping Delight Station: Arrange the chicken with multiple dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy ranch, and classic barbecue sauce, allowing everyone to customize their flavor experience and enjoy interactive eating.

Proper Storage for Oven-Fried Chicken

• Store leftover oven-fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain crispiness.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to keep chicken pieces from sticking together.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat more juicy and soft while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

• Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness or whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option. The key is to ensure the breadcrumbs are fine and will create a good coating.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Drizzling olive oil or melted butter before baking helps create a golden, crisp exterior. Also, make sure to pat the chicken dry before coating and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation.

Crispy Oven-fried Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern-style oven-fried chicken brings crispy, golden perfection to classic comfort cuisine. Crunchy buttermilk-marinated chicken delivers hearty flavor you’ll savor with genuine Southern hospitality.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs or panko
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Fat:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil or melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) and arrange a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing flavors to infuse for a minimum of 60 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper marination.
3. Create a crispy coating by thoroughly combining breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing vessel.
4. Extract chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drain, then meticulously coat each piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between them for even crisping.
6. Enhance golden potential by delicately drizzling olive oil or melted butter across the chicken surfaces.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, rotating pieces midway to guarantee uniform browning and crispiness.
8. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165F using a meat thermometer, confirming chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to consume.
9. Remove from oven and allow a brief resting period before serving to preserve juiciness and maximize flavor intensity.

Notes

• Buttermilk marinade tenderizes chicken meat, ensuring juicy and flavorful results with enhanced texture and depth of taste.
• Shake off excess buttermilk before coating to prevent soggy breading and guarantee maximum crispiness on the exterior.
• Add extra spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for a personalized heat level and more complex flavor profile that suits individual preferences.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb and celiac-friendly version without compromising the classic crispy chicken experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg