Baked Fried Chicken

Let me introduce you to your new favorite way to make crispy, flavorful fried chicken, without the mess or guilt—Baked Fried Chicken! Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken with a golden, crunchy crust that rivals the deep-fried version, all baked to perfection in the oven. This dish is the best of both worlds: all the crispy goodness you crave, but without the splattering oil or the long wait for the fryer to heat up. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at traditional fried chicken the same way again!

Why You’ll Love Baked Fried Chicken

Here’s why this Baked Fried Chicken is going to be your go-to recipe:

Crispy and Juicy

This isn’t just any baked chicken. With the right seasoning, breading, and technique, this chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside—just like fried chicken, but without the deep fryer!

Healthier Than Deep Fried

You get all the flavor of fried chicken, but with none of the extra oil. Baked Fried Chicken is a much lighter option, so you can indulge without the guilt.

Simple Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish. The ingredients are simple, and chances are, you already have most of them in your pantry. It’s the perfect dinner option when you want something comforting but easy to prepare.

Less Mess

Forget the greasy splatter on your stovetop. This baked version eliminates the need for a hot, splattering skillet. Just pop it in the oven and let it do its magic.

Crowd-Pleasing

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many you’re serving, and it’s always a hit!

Ingredients in Baked Fried Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this crispy, golden chicken:

Chicken Pieces

Whether you choose bone-in, skin-on thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, this recipe works for all chicken cuts. Bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier during baking, but feel free to use what you prefer!

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a game-changer. It tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang, helping the breading to stick and creating that irresistible texture.

Flour

Flour helps create the crunchy exterior that we all crave in fried chicken. It’s the base for your breading.

Cornstarch

This helps make the breading extra crispy. A little cornstarch goes a long way in ensuring your chicken has that perfectly crunchy exterior.

Seasonings

You’ll need a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (optional) to flavor the breading. You can get creative and adjust the spices to your taste.

Baking Powder

This helps make the coating light and airy, adding to the crispiness of the chicken.

Olive Oil or Cooking Spray

A little oil brushed on the chicken or a spritz of cooking spray before baking ensures a golden and crunchy finish without deep-frying.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to the good part—making this delicious Baked Fried Chicken!

Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken pieces in a bowl and covering them with buttermilk. Let them soak in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge). This helps tenderize the chicken and lets the breading stick better.

Make the Breading

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne, if using). Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess. Then, dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to make sure it’s coated well. For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then coat it in the flour mixture again for a double coating.

Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps the heat circulate around the chicken for even cooking). Place the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack, making sure they’re not touching.

Bake the Chicken

Brush the chicken pieces with a little olive oil or spray with cooking spray. This will help them get golden brown and crispy in the oven. Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust is crispy and golden. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, juicy, and perfectly baked fried chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Baked Fried Chicken

Baked Fried Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

With Mashed Potatoes

A classic pairing! Serve your chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes and drizzle them with gravy for a comforting, hearty meal.

With Coleslaw

The creamy crunch of coleslaw is the perfect balance to the crispy fried chicken. It adds a fresh and tangy element to the dish.

With Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a simple, yet satisfying side dish that complements the flavors of fried chicken perfectly.

With Biscuit or Cornbread

For an extra indulgent meal, serve the chicken with fluffy biscuits or sweet cornbread. You can even drizzle the cornbread with honey butter for a little something extra.

With a Fresh Salad

If you want to lighten things up a bit, pair the chicken with a fresh green salad. A tangy vinaigrette or ranch dressing is the perfect complement.

Additional Tips

Rest the Chicken After Baking

Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite stays juicy.

Add Your Favorite Seasonings

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste! Add more cayenne for extra heat, or throw in some dried herbs for added flavor.

Use a Thermometer

To make sure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the meat.

Make It a Meal Prep Star

This chicken reheats beautifully, so make extra and store the leftovers in an airtight container. Simply reheat in the oven for a crispy, satisfying meal any day of the week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

A1: Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, just be mindful that the cooking time will be shorter.

Q2: Can I make this with chicken tenders?

A2: Yes! Chicken tenders are a great option and will cook faster than bone-in pieces, so keep an eye on them while baking.

Q3: Can I freeze the chicken after baking?

A3: Yes, you can freeze baked fried chicken! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Q4: What should I serve with this chicken?

A4: Some great options include mashed potatoes, cornbread, green beans, or even mac and cheese for a southern-inspired feast.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A5: Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this Baked Fried Chicken is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and ease. Enjoy every crispy bite!

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