Crispy Golden Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crispy, golden-brown oven-fried chicken tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible crunch and flavor.

Southern-style cooking brings this the best oven-fried chicken recipe straight to your dinner table.

Forget greasy stovetop methods that leave you feeling heavy and weighed down.

Perfectly seasoned breading creates a delectable exterior that locks in tender, juicy meat.

Each bite promises a satisfying crackle and rich, homestyle goodness.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You won’t believe how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Fun Variations for Oven-Fried Chicken Fans

• Gluten-Free Chicken: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Spicy Caribbean Chicken: Add jerk seasoning and allspice to the flour mixture, creating a bold Caribbean-inspired flavor profile with extra heat.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the flour coating for a fragrant Mediterranean-style herb chicken experience.
• Keto-Friendly Chicken: Use crushed pork rinds instead of flour, providing a low-carb breading that delivers maximum crunch and protein.

Ideas for Serving Oven-Fried Chicken Well

• Southern Family Feast: Serve with classic creamy coleslaw and fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that reminds you of grandma's kitchen.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this crispy chicken alongside homemade potato salad, fresh corn on the cob, and tangy pickles for an outdoor gathering that screams summer fun.
• Healthier Comfort Combo: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables and a light quinoa salad to balance the richness of the oven-fried chicken while keeping the meal nutritious and satisfying.
• Spicy Brunch Delight: Top with a drizzle of hot honey, serve alongside buttermilk biscuits and a fresh green salad for a weekend brunch that will impress your guests.

Keeping Oven-Fried Chicken Tasty Later

• Wrap cooled chicken pieces tightly in aluminum foil or place in airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Seal chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, and cover loosely with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness and maintaining crispiness.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken pieces?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking and adjust baking time slightly as breasts might cook faster.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and create a crispy coating. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

• How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

For maximum crispiness, use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation, and ensure you drizzle olive oil evenly. Pat the chicken completely dry before coating with flour mixture.

Reasons People Love Oven-Fried Chicken

• Crunch Without Guilt: Enjoy a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken that delivers the same satisfying crispiness without excessive oil.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Whip up a delicious meal with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want to serve a classic dish that everyone will love and devour with enthusiasm.
• Versatile Seasoning Magic: Customize the spice blend to suit your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for those who enjoy mild or bold flavors.

All You Need for Oven-Fried Chicken Success

• Chicken: Tender and juicy meat that serves as the star of the recipe.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle tangy flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Create a flavorful and crispy coating that adds spice and texture to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden and crispy exterior while adding a light richness to the chicken.

How to Make Oven-Fried Chicken That Crisps Up

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and crispy chicken.

Step 2: Create Flavor Bath

Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing them to soak and tenderize for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum juiciness and flavor infusion.

Step 3: Mix Magical Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Whisk these ingredients together in a wide, shallow bowl to create a perfectly seasoned coating.

Step 4: Drain and Coat Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off.

Roll each piece generously in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum crunch.

Step 5: Arrange and Oil

Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece.

Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through cooking.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps retain juices and ensures a tender, delectable texture before serving.

Tips for Ultimate Oven-Fried Chicken

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk overnight to ensure maximum tenderness and deeper flavor penetration.
• Drizzle olive oil sparingly to help achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior without making the coating soggy.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to personalize heat intensity, reducing or increasing based on individual spice preferences.

The Best Oven-fried Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern-style the best oven-fried chicken delivers classic comfort without deep-frying hassle. Perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken emerges from your oven, promising a delightful meal that satisfies cravings and impresses dinner guests.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in the middle position and heat to 400°F, lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal crispiness.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in buttermilk, ensuring full coverage, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
3. Craft a seasoned coating by whisking together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a wide, shallow dish.
4. Carefully lift chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to create a uniform, adherent coating.
5. Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece to promote even browning and crisp texture.
6. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken to promote golden coloration and enhance crunchiness.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure uniform crispness and golden-brown appearance.
8. Verify doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer, confirming chicken is fully cooked.
9. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps redistribute juices and maintain optimal moisture.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight in buttermilk to ensure maximum tenderness and enhance flavor penetration throughout the meat.
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, creating extra crispy chicken skin with more even browning.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crispy texture while accommodating dietary needs.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat, ensuring juicy and safe results.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg