Baked Fried Chicken

Craving the crispy, golden perfection of fried chicken but without all the mess and the extra oil? Let me introduce you to Baked Fried Chicken—the best of both worlds! You’ll get all the satisfying crunch of deep-fried chicken, but without the greasy aftermath. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and baked to perfection. If you’ve ever thought baking chicken couldn’t possibly compare to frying, trust me—this recipe will change your mind. It’s an absolute game-changer that combines the indulgent flavors of fried chicken with the ease and healthiness of baking. I promise you won’t even miss the fryer!

Why You’ll Love Baked Fried Chicken

This baked version of fried chicken isn’t just a healthier alternative—it’s got all the flavor and crunch you want in a fried chicken dish. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Healthier Option

Baking rather than frying cuts down on the grease and excess oil, but it doesn’t sacrifice any of the delicious flavor or crunchiness. So, you can enjoy all the comfort of fried chicken without feeling guilty!

Crispy Perfection

Thanks to a secret ingredient (hint: it’s all about the coating!), the chicken comes out of the oven with a crispy, golden exterior that’ll rival anything you’ve had at a fast-food joint. You’ll love that crunch!

Easy Prep

This recipe is so simple and requires minimal hands-on time. No need to deal with hot oil splatters or flipping pieces every few minutes. Just coat, bake, and let the oven work its magic.

Flavor Packed

With a blend of spices, herbs, and a perfectly crispy coating, every bite of this baked fried chicken is packed with flavor. The seasoning gets infused into the chicken, creating a delicious, savory experience that’s hard to beat.

Crowd-Pleasing

Baked Fried Chicken is the kind of dish that everyone can get behind. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or just craving comfort food for yourself, it’s sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

You probably have most of these ingredients already tucked away in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy, oven-baked chicken:

• Chicken Pieces: Drumsticks, thighs, or chicken breasts all work great for this recipe. I like to use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best texture and flavor.
• Buttermilk: This is key to tenderizing the chicken while giving it a rich, flavorful base for the coating to stick.
• All-Purpose Flour: To create that crispy, golden coating that we all love about fried chicken.
• Cornstarch: This helps the coating become extra crispy when baked.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little cayenne for heat (if you like a little kick).
• Dried Herbs: Oregano and thyme are perfect for adding flavor depth to the chicken.
• Butter: Melted butter brushed onto the chicken helps with both flavor and ensuring a crisp, golden finish.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get to the good part—making the magic happen in the kitchen! Here’s how to make Baked Fried Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken pieces into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Add some salt and pepper to the mix. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for even more flavor). The buttermilk works its tenderizing magic during this step.

Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper). This is the crispy coating that’s going to give your chicken that signature crunch.

Coat the Chicken

Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk (letting the excess drip off), and dredge them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat this step with each piece of chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated.

Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a cooling rack (this helps the heat circulate around the chicken). Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not overcrowded.

Add Butter for Extra Crispy

For that golden finish, drizzle or brush a little melted butter over the chicken pieces. This extra touch helps create a beautiful, crispy crust.

Bake the Chicken

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is cooked through and perfectly crispy, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve it up hot, with your favorite sides, and prepare for some serious comfort food enjoyment!

How to Serve Baked Fried Chicken

Baked Fried Chicken is delicious enough on its own, but here are some tasty side ideas to complete your meal:

With Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes alongside this crispy chicken. Add some gravy if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken. It’s the perfect balance of flavors.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or roasted corn on the cob, slathered with butter, is a classic side that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken.

Biscuits or Cornbread

Serve your chicken with soft, warm biscuits or a slice of cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Fresh Salad

For a lighter option, serve your chicken with a fresh salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette will complement the richness of the chicken beautifully.

Additional Tips

Use a Cooling Rack

If you have one, use a cooling rack placed on top of a baking sheet to bake the chicken. This ensures that air circulates around the chicken, helping it crisp up all over.

Don’t Skip the Buttermilk

The buttermilk not only makes the chicken juicy and tender but it also helps the flour coating stick better, so don’t skip that step!

Adjust the Spice

If you like your chicken spicy, feel free to amp up the cayenne pepper or even add a pinch of chili powder for an extra kick. You can also add more heat in your dipping sauces.

Check the Temperature

Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let the Chicken Rest

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender and juicy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

A1: Yes, boneless chicken works fine, but the cooking time will be shorter. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A2: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time (even overnight), but it’s best to bake the chicken fresh for the crispiest results.

Q3: Can I freeze the chicken before or after baking?

A3: Yes! You can freeze the chicken after coating it in the flour mixture (before baking) or after it’s baked. To reheat, bake it at 375°F until heated through and crispy.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftover baked fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for the best crispy texture.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A5: Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the seasonings are gluten-free. The recipe should work just as well.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this chicken?

A6: For the crispiest chicken, reheat it in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy.

Q7: Can I use skinless chicken?

A7: While you can use skinless chicken, the skin helps the chicken stay moist and adds to the crispiness. You may want to lightly brush the chicken with oil if using skinless pieces.

Q8: Can I add more seasoning?

A8: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like paprika, cumin, or thyme to suit your taste.

Q9: Can I bake the chicken at a lower temperature?

A9: While 400°F is ideal for crispy chicken, you can bake it at 375°F if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may take a little longer.

Q10: What side dishes go best with Baked Fried Chicken?

A10: Some of the best sides include mashed potatoes, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and steamed vegetables. Anything that pairs well with comfort food!

Conclusion

There you have it—Baked Fried Chicken that’s every bit as crispy, juicy, and flavorful as the fried version, but with none of the hassle. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or just a delicious treat when you’re craving something hearty. With a simple prep and a few key ingredients, you’ll have golden, crispy chicken that everyone will love. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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