Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

crispy chickenPhoto byLikeMeatonUnsplash

By baking instead of frying, you can enjoy all the crispy, juicy goodness without the extra grease and calories.

With a buttermilk marinade and a crunchy coating, this dish could become a family favorite.

Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

Chicken:
— 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
— 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks

Buttermilk Marinade:
— 2 cups buttermilk
— 1 teaspoon salt
— 1 teaspoon black pepper
— 1 teaspoon paprika
— 1 teaspoon garlic powder
— 1 teaspoon onion powder
— 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Coating:
— 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
— 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
— 1/2 cup cornmeal
— 1 teaspoon salt
— 1 teaspoon black pepper
— 1 teaspoon paprika
— 1 teaspoon garlic powder
— 1 teaspoon onion powder
— 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Cooking:
— 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
— In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
— Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

2. Prepare the Coating:
— Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
— In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

3. Coat the Chicken:
— Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off.
— Dredge each piece of chicken in the coating mixture, pressing down to ensure it adheres well. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the Chicken:
— Drizzle the vegetable oil or melted butter evenly over the chicken pieces.
— Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve:
— Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

Helpful Tips:

• Ensure Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and coating mixture. After the first coating, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then coat it again.
• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Alternative Coatings: You can experiment with different coatings, such as crushed cornflakes or crushed Ritz crackers, for a unique flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This oven-fried chicken recipe provides a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken while still delivering that satisfying crunch and flavor. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal!