Oven Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic fried chicken recipe. This healthier version captures all the flavors and textures you love about traditional fried chicken without the need for deep frying. Originating from Southern cuisine, fried chicken has been a staple comfort food for generations. With the oven-fried method, you can enjoy crispy, juicy chicken that’s easier on the waistline. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Oven Fried Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Pieces:
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks or wings
- Buttermilk Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Coating:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Cooking Spray:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil spray
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Coating the Chicken
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres.
- Place the coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation.
Baking the Chicken
- Bake the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the chicken pieces with olive oil or vegetable oil spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Crisp the Chicken:
- For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Even Cooking: Ensure that chicken pieces are of similar size for uniform cooking. If using different parts, check for doneness separately.
- Resting: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to help the juices redistribute and maintain moisture.
Variations
- Southern Oven Fried Chicken: Add more cayenne and a pinch of sugar to the coating for a traditional Southern flavor.
- Oven Fried Chicken Breast: Use only boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Reduce cooking time slightly.
- Oven Fried Chicken Thighs: Thighs remain juicier and are perfect for oven frying due to their higher fat content.
- Oven Fried Chicken Wings: For a party appetizer, use chicken wings and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Oven Fried Chicken Without Breadcrumbs: This recipe does not use breadcrumbs, relying on flour and cornmeal for a crisp texture.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving (1 piece of chicken):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 500mg
Oven Fried Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, offering all the crispy goodness you crave with less oil. This easy oven-fried method is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Try serving it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.