Baked Fried Chicken Recipe

This Baked Fried Chicken delivers all the crispy, golden crunch of traditional fried chicken—without the excess oil! By baking instead of deep-frying, you get a healthier version of a classic comfort food while still enjoying that irresistible crispy coating. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe ensures juicy, flavorful chicken with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 6 pieces of bone-in, skin-on chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (for crispiness)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In one shallow dish, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and baking powder.
2. In another dish, whisk the eggs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
4. Place the coated chicken on the wire rack.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the chicken for extra crispiness.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
2. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
2. Pair with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips:

• For extra crunch, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes.
• Use a wire rack to allow air circulation for even crispiness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.

This Baked Fried Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken with a healthier twist. Happy cooking! 🍗🔥

For more variations, check out this Oven-Fried Chicken recipe or Crispy Baked “Fried” Chicken.