Oven Fried Crispy Chicken Recipe – Perfectly Crispy Every Time!
Craving fried chicken but want a healthier version? This Oven Fried Crispy Chicken Recipe offers all the crispy goodness without the deep frying! With a flavorful buttermilk marinade and seasoned coating, this chicken is sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe appears in our cookbook “Cooking for One – Not an Army” along with other delicious recipes. It’s made for one, but you can easily double (or triple) this recipe for company or leftovers! If you didn’t get a copy yet, our book is on Amazon right here!
Ingredients for Oven Fried Crispy Chicken
Let’s take a look at what makes this recipe work so well. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that crispy texture and deep flavor.
- Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs: These cuts provide juicy and flavorful meat that crisps up nicely in the oven. Using bone-in, skin-on pieces helps keep the chicken moist during baking.
- Buttermilk: A key ingredient that tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor. The acidity in buttermilk helps break down the proteins in the chicken leading to a more tender bite. It also aids in helping the seasoned flour stick to the meat.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken. Salt is essential for enhancing the flavor, and black pepper adds a bit of bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: This creates that classic, crispy coating on the outside. Flour is the primary coating, forming a thick crust that crisps up when baked.
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: These spices give the chicken a savory depth of flavor and a hint of smokiness. Paprika not only adds flavor but also gives the coating a warm, golden color.
- Cooking Spray: This is essential for achieving a golden, crispy texture without frying. It helps the flour crisp up in the oven and mimics the texture of traditional fried chicken.
Instructions
This recipe combines a few simple steps to create the perfect crispy chicken. Let’s go through each step in more detail:
- Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is the first step. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce with the buttermilk. Let the chicken soak for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Mix the Seasoned Flour: Combine all-purpose flour with your spices in a shallow dish. Adding paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the flour mixture is key to creating a well-seasoned coating. Again, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little extra kick.
- Coat the Chicken Evenly: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel to help the flour mixture stick better. Roll each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a thick coating.
- Set Up the Baking Rack: Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet, and spray it with cooking spray. This helps the chicken bake evenly and allows air to circulate around each piece while ensuring that all sides become crispy. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can use a parchment-lined baking sheet, but the results might not be as crispy.
- Bake and Flip: Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to promote even browning. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the fried chicken rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
Why Choose Oven-Fried Over Deep-Fried?
Oven frying provides a healthier alternative to deep frying without sacrificing flavor or crispiness. When baking, you use significantly less oil which reduces the overall fat and calorie content of the dish. Plus, oven frying minimizes the risk of splattering hot oil. It’s a safer and cleaner cooking method.
The key to achieving a crispy coating in the oven is to use a wire rack which allows hot air to circulate around the chicken. This helps cook all sides evenly and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Additionally, spraying the coated chicken with a light mist of cooking spray gives it that golden, crunchy finish.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your chicken comes out perfect every time:
- Use a Wire Rack: Placing the chicken on a wire rack allows the heat to circulate and helps to create that crispy exterior without needing to fry.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra heat or flavor. You can also try adding a bit of dried thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Patting the chicken dry before coating it helps the flour stick better and results in a crispier texture.
- Season in Layers: Season the buttermilk marinade, the flour mixture, and even the chicken itself for layers of flavor in each bite.
What to Serve with Oven Fried Crispy Chicken
Pair this crispy chicken with light and refreshing sides to balance out the meal. Here are some of our favorite options:
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and tanginess that pairs well with crispy chicken. The coolness of the coleslaw is a great contrast to the warmth of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots or sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet, savory contrast. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the vegetables which pairs nicely with the seasoned chicken.
- Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread makes the perfect complement to this dish. Its slight sweetness and crumbly texture are a great match for the savory chicken.
Leftovers & Storage
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through to help maintain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. If freezing, place the cooled chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this Oven Fried Crispy Chicken Recipe, try out these other delicious options:
- Kung Pao Chicken Recipe: A spicy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce.
- General Tso’s Crockpot Chicken: An easy slow-cooked take on a classic Chinese dish with a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Moist Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Learn how to cook juicy, tender chicken breasts every time.
- Healthy Lemon Chicken Orzo with Green Beans Recipe: A light and fresh meal featuring chicken, orzo pasta, and green beans with a zesty lemon flavor.
For a unique twist on oven-baked chicken, try this Crispy Lemon Chicken recipe from Bon Appetit! The lemon gives it a little zing!
