The Best Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

You've been searching for the ultimate oven-fried chicken recipe that doesn't sacrifice flavor for health. Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken with a perfectly seasoned crust, all achieved without drowning your meal in oil. This technique transforms home cooking from greasy to gourmet, offering a foolproof method that'll have your family asking for seconds. Want to know how to create restaurant-quality chicken right in your own kitchen? Let's uncover the secrets that make this recipe a game-changer.

Recipe Highlights

• Master the three-step coating technique of flour, egg wash, and final flour dredge to create a perfectly crispy, golden exterior on oven-fried chicken.
• Cook chicken at 400°F for 45-50 minutes, using a wire rack to promote airflow and achieve maximum crispiness without deep-frying.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing both safety and juicy, flavorful meat.
• Incorporate buttermilk and seasoned salt in the marinade to enhance flavor and tenderize the chicken, creating a more delicious final dish.
• Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking and 5-10 minutes after cooking to optimize texture and moisture retention.

History

Although fried chicken has deep roots in Southern American cuisine, its origins stretch back much further than most people realize.

You'll find that the technique of frying chicken originated with Scottish and West African culinary traditions, which merged in the American South during the 18th and 19th centuries. Scottish immigrants brought their tradition of deep-frying meats, while enslaved West African cooks introduced sophisticated seasoning techniques and one-pot cooking methods.

By the mid-1800s, fried chicken became a staple of Southern cooking, particularly among African American communities. As recipes evolved, home cooks developed unique regional variations, transforming a simple cooking method into a cultural culinary art form.

Each region added its own signature spices, marinades, and cooking techniques, creating a rich, diverse fried chicken landscape that continues to delight food lovers today.

Recipe

Oven-fried chicken offers a delightful alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken, providing the same crispy exterior and juicy interior without the excess oil. This method combines simple ingredients and a strategic coating technique to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen.

The key to perfect oven-fried chicken lies in the three-step coating process: flour, egg wash, and a final flour dredge. This method ensures a golden, crunchy crust that seals in the chicken's natural moisture and flavor, creating a healthier yet equally delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
• Cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow dish, mix the flour and seasoned salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.

Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat again in the seasoned flour.

Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren't touching. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil to enhance crispiness. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking. The chicken is done when it's golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part of the meat.

For the best results, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, and allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help retain its juices.

If you prefer extra crispy skin, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by gathering your ingredients and equipment, ensuring everything is measured and ready to go before beginning the chicken preparation.

Next, you'll carefully dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, creating a base layer that'll help develop a crispy exterior during baking.

Then, you'll follow a classic three-step coating process: coating in flour, dipping in egg mixture, and re-coating in flour to guarantee maximum crunch and flavor.

Step 1. Gather Ingredients and Equipment

Before diving into this delectable oven-fried chicken recipe, grab your key ingredients and kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

You'll want to assemble your ingredients precisely: 8 chicken pieces (a mix of thighs and drumsticks), 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, and 2 tablespoons seasoned salt.

Essential equipment includes:

• Large shallow dishes for dredging
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooking spray

Check that your ingredients are fresh and at room temperature. Measure everything carefully, and arrange your workspace for maximum efficiency.

Having everything prepped and within reach will make your cooking process seamless and enjoyable, setting you up for crispy, golden-brown chicken success.

[DIRECTIONS]:

Step 2. Dredge Chicken in Flour Mix

With your ingredients laid out and workspace ready, it's time to transform those chicken pieces into a crispy, golden masterpiece.

Grab your shallow dish of seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even blend of flour and salt. Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly, using gentle, consistent motions to coat every nook and cranny. Shake off excess flour, creating a light, even layer that'll crisp beautifully in the oven.

Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Return the pieces to the flour mix for a final coating, pressing gently to help the breading adhere.

This double-dredging technique guarantees a thick, crunchy exterior that'll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Step 3. Dip Chicken in Egg Mixture

After thoroughly coating each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, it's time to transform your soon-to-be crispy chicken by dipping it into the rich egg and buttermilk bath.

Whisk the eggs and buttermilk together until they're well combined, creating a smooth, creamy mixture that'll help the final flour coating stick perfectly.

Hold each floured chicken piece firmly, then gently lower it into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Let excess liquid drip off briefly, using your fingers to help guide the coating evenly.

The egg wash acts as a crucial binding agent, helping the final flour layer adhere and creating that irresistible golden-brown exterior you're aiming for.

Work methodically, coating each piece with care and precision.

Step 4. Coat Chicken in Flour Again

Dredge each egg-coated chicken piece back into the seasoned flour mixture, creating a double-layer coating that'll transform your chicken into a crispy masterpiece. This second flour dip is crucial for achieving that restaurant-quality crunch you're after.

Press the flour firmly onto the chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage. Key techniques include:

• Use a light, gentle touch
• Shake off excess flour
• Aim for a thin, uniform layer
• Avoid clumpy or thick coating spots

The double-dredging method locks in moisture while building an incredibly crisp exterior. Your goal is a golden, textured crust that'll make every bite irresistibly crunchy.

Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown

Because crispy, golden-brown chicken is the hallmark of a perfect oven-fried recipe, you'll want to pay close attention to your baking technique.

Slide your prepared baking sheet into a preheated 400°F oven, positioning the chicken pieces so they're not touching. You'll bake for 45-50 minutes, ensuring even cooking by flipping the pieces halfway through.

Watch for visual cues like a deep golden-brown color and listen for a subtle sizzling sound. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F at the thickest part of the meat.

For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before baking.

Once done, let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the coating to set perfectly.

Final Thoughts

While oven-fried chicken might seem intimidating at first, you'll discover it's surprisingly straightforward to master. With practice, you'll develop a foolproof technique that transforms ordinary chicken into a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece. The key is patience: take your time with the coating process, ensuring each piece is evenly covered and seasoned.

Remember these pro tips for success:

• Always use a meat thermometer
• Let chicken rest before and after cooking
• Don't skip the dredging steps
• Use a wire rack for maximum crispiness

Your homemade oven-fried chicken will rival any restaurant version, and you'll impress friends and family with your culinary skills.

The best part? You're creating a healthier version of a comfort food classic, without sacrificing flavor or that satisfying crunch we all love.