Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: oven fried chicken! There’s something magical about the crispy, golden exterior paired with juicy, tender meat that just makes my heart sing. This recipe is not only incredibly easy to whip up, but it also gives you that satisfying crunch without the guilt of deep frying! Trust me, once you try this oven fried chicken, you’ll be hooked. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even for impressing friends at a weekend gathering. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, so you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious, stress-free cooking adventure together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering oven fried chicken. I promise you it’s all pretty straightforward and easy to find at your local grocery store. Grab these ingredients and let’s get cooking!
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
- Cooking spray (to help achieve that golden crisp)
That’s it! With these simple ingredients, you’re on your way to making the best oven fried chicken ever. Don’t worry if you don’t have one of the spices—I often mix and match based on what I have at home. Cooking should be fun and flexible!
How to Prepare Oven Fried Chicken
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to make this crispy oven fried chicken. I promise it’s easy, and you’ll be amazed at how delicious it turns out! Just follow along, and you’ll be enjoying your masterpiece in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden crisp on the outside. Just think of it as the oven getting warmed up, ready to work its magic on your chicken!
Soak the Chicken
Next, grab a bowl and soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because the buttermilk not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken extra moist and tender. You can even soak it longer if you have time—overnight is great for flavor!
Prepare the Coating
While your chicken is soaking, let’s mix up the coating. In another bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Each spice plays a role: garlic and onion add depth, paprika brings color, and salt enhances the overall flavor. Give it a good stir to mix everything together evenly!
Coat the Chicken
When the chicken is ready, take it out of the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Now, here comes the fun part! Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. I like to press the flour onto the chicken to get an even coating. This will help create that scrumptious crunch we all love!
Baking the Chicken
Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure there’s a bit of space between each piece. Give the chicken a light spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Now, pop that tray into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. This helps both sides cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden color!
Let it Rest
Once your chicken is out of the oven and smelling incredible, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time is key—it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy recipe that anyone can master—perfect for beginner cooks!
- You get all that crispy, crunchy goodness without the mess of frying.
- Soaking the chicken in buttermilk ensures it’s juicy and full of flavor.
- With simple ingredients, you can whip this up on a busy weeknight.
- It’s versatile—feel free to switch up the spices to match your taste!
Seriously, once you try this oven fried chicken, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Tips for Success
To ensure your oven fried chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way. First, don’t hesitate to double coat your chicken! After soaking in buttermilk, dip it back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again. This extra layer really amps up the crunch factor—trust me, it’s worth the effort!
Also, make sure to check the internal temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into a piece and check that the juices run clear. And remember, if you’re using different cuts of chicken, cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them!
Lastly, let your chicken rest after baking—this is key for keeping it juicy and flavorful. Enjoy your crispy creation!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just approximations. For each piece of this delicious oven fried chicken, you’re looking at about 350 calories, with 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t break the calorie bank! Always check your specific ingredients for the most accurate nutritional info.
FAQ Section
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the skin helps create that crispy texture, so the result might be a bit different. But it’ll still be tasty!
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken up, and you’re good to go!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to let the chicken cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It should stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven until warmed through.
How can I ensure my chicken gets crispy?
For that perfect crunch, make sure you spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before baking. This little step helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior. And don’t skip the resting time after baking—it helps lock in moisture!
What if I want to make this recipe healthier?
You can definitely switch up the ingredients for a healthier twist! Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, or go for a light spray of olive oil instead of cooking spray. You can also bake it with veggies to make it a complete meal!
For more tips on healthy cooking, check out Healthline’s healthy cooking tips.
For a delicious side dish, consider making vegetable side dishes to complement your oven fried chicken!
Print
Oven Fried Chicken: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and delicious oven fried chicken that is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove the chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray the chicken with cooking spray.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping it back into buttermilk and then flour again.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- You can use any chicken pieces you prefer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: oven fried chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken
