Description
This Baked Fried Chicken recipe offers the crispy, flavorful satisfaction of classic fried chicken without the hassle of deep frying. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture and baked to golden perfection, the chicken is juicy on the inside with a crunchy, flavorful crust. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe uses simple ingredients and an oven to achieve a healthier yet delicious version of fried chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks or breasts)
Coating
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 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 use a wire rack to promote crispiness.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish or large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix these seasonings well to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well and covers the entire piece.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Drizzle the melted butter or olive oil over each piece to help achieve a golden and crispy crust. If desired, lightly spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Confirm doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Allow the baked fried chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Using a wire rack for baking allows heat to circulate around the chicken, making it crispier.
- Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness or omit if preferred mild.
- Melted butter or olive oil helps to create a more golden and crispy crust without deep frying.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Leftover baked fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
