This Crispy Baked Fried Chicken delivers all the crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken without the excess oil. Using a seasoned coating and oven-baking method, this recipe creates juicy, tender chicken with a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for a healthier alternative to deep frying, this dish is great for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 pieces of bone-in chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let excess liquid drip off.
- Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Bake the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the rack, ensuring space between them.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a dipping sauce for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Baked Fried Chicken
- Use a wire rack to allow air circulation for even crisping.
- Let the chicken rest before serving to retain juiciness.
- Experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika or lemon zest for a unique twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
This Crispy Baked Fried Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fried chicken with a healthier twist. Would you like a variation, such as a spicy version or a gluten-free alternative? 😊