Description
This Baked Fried Chicken combines the crispy, golden coating of traditional fried chicken with the healthier, more convenient baking method. With a flavorful, crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside, this dish is perfect for any occasion. You’ll get all the deliciousness of fried chicken without the mess and added fat of deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks or breasts)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
- Cooking spray (optional for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for crispier chicken.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish or large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Drizzle the melted butter or olive oil over the chicken for extra crispiness. Optionally, spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place the chicken on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken while it bakes.
- You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks if you prefer.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You can add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or experiment with your favorite seasonings.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice works as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (or equivalent)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg