Nothing quite compares to the comforting crunch of a perfectly cooked piece of fried chicken. Our Easy Oven Finished Fried Chicken brings you the best of both worlds—a deliciously crispy exterior with tender, juicy meat inside. This recipe combines traditional frying with oven finishing to ensure every piece is cooked to perfection. Let’s dive into this Southern-inspired dish, which is as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat.
Introduction
Fried chicken is a classic dish with roots deep in Southern American cuisine. Known for its irresistible crispy crust and succulent meat, fried chicken is a favorite at family gatherings and potlucks. Our Easy Oven Finished Fried Chicken takes this traditional favorite and adds a modern twist by using the oven to finish cooking, ensuring an even cook without the risk of burning the crust. This method also helps reduce excess oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture for your chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (or your choice of chicken pieces)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar as a substitute)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step ensures tender and juicy meat.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In another bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This seasoned flour will create a flavorful crust on the chicken.
Frying
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or deep pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk and shake off any excess. Dredge them in the seasoned flour, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure a thick coating.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin side down. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Oven Finishing
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the chicken is frying, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer to the Oven:
- Once the chicken is golden brown, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. This allows excess oil to drain and the heat to circulate evenly.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This step ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
Tips and Variations
Tips
- Crispiness: To keep your fried chicken crispy in the oven, use a wire rack to elevate the chicken on the baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate and prevents sogginess.
- Undercooked Chicken: If you find your fried chicken is undercooked after frying, finish it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Leftover Fried Chicken: Reheat leftover fried chicken in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to retain its crispiness.
Variations
- Oven-Fried Chicken with Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, add breadcrumbs to the flour mixture or replace flour with panko breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spicy Southern Style: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicier kick.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving of Easy Oven Finished Fried Chicken (based on using chicken thighs):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the chicken pieces.
Our Easy Oven Finished Fried Chicken offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic. By combining frying and oven-baking, you get the best of both methods—crispy, golden skin with tender, juicy meat. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. We encourage you to try it out and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious chicken recipes on Easy Crispy Recipes, like Baked Eggs in Avocado with Bacon and Air Fryer Mustard Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Green Beans.