Delightful Southern Baked Chicken Recipe | Try it Now!
Welcome to my kitchen, where the air is thick with the aroma of southern-style cuisine. Today is a special day, as we’ll be celebrating Fourth of July with a mouthwatering, classic American dish. That’s right, we’ll be preparing Southern Baked Chicken – a staple that has never failed to impress.
As someone who adores comfort food, I find nothing more satisfying than digging into a plate of juicy baked chicken breast with crispy skin. It’s a dish that evokes memories of backyard barbecues and family gatherings, and it’s perfect for any occasion, big or small. Whether you’re planning a 4th of July party or just craving some soulful cooking, this recipe will not disappoint.
In this article, I’ll take you through every step of the recipe – from the ingredients list to serving recommendations. You’ll learn how to create a blend of aromatic herbs and spices that will season your chicken to perfection. And what’s better than knowing that every ingredient on this meal was carefully picked? Not only will that bring out amazing flavors it will also provide essential minerals and vitamins to keep you healthy.
So without further ado, let’s dive in and get started on making Southern Baked Chicken – the perfect entree for your Fourth of July celebration!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
“Nothing beats the flavors of Southern cooking, and this Fourth of July Southern Baked Chicken recipe is no exception! Get ready to have your taste buds dance with a delectable combination of spices that will make you want to lick your fingers clean. Trust me; this recipe is perfect for any occasion, but it’s the ultimate way to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends.
Not only is it easy to follow the recipe, but it also creates a delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken. The spices used add depth and flavor without sacrificing any crunchiness or texture. You can still enjoy a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and mouthwatering.
But wait, here’s the best part; you can easily adjust the ingredients if you prefer a little more heat or sweetness. Add an extra pinch of brown sugar or hot sauce if you like things spicy, or opt-out if you prefer a mild version.
Lastly, whether you’re hosting an outdoor BBQ, picnicking at the park, or watching fireworks from your backyard, this baked chicken will steal the show. Trust me on this; you’ll have everyone asking for seconds! So don’t hesitate and bake up some southern-style goodness with this recipe.”
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the essential ingredients for this Fourth of July Southern Baked Chicken Recipe! You’ll be needing some simple yet flavorful ingredients to make this the best baked chicken ever.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can also use thighs or leg quarters)
- 2 eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing pan
These simple ingredients make the perfect combination that creates the right amount of flavor and texture for a deliciously Southern-style meal.
Next up, let’s learn about why you’ll love this recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this Fourth of July Southern Baked Chicken Recipe.
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 425°F. Meanwhile, prepare a large baking dish and grease it with cooking spray.
Now, in a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried marjoram, ½ teaspoon thyme and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
Grab your chicken breasts and give it a pat dry using paper towels. Then, brush them with melted butter on both sides.
After that, sprinkle the seasoning mixture on both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Coating the Chicken
In another bowl, beat two eggs until lightly coloured. Then, dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture to coat it throughly.
Next, it’s time to coat the egg-coated chicken breasts in a crispy coating mixture by combining 1 cup dry breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup cornmeal and chopped fresh or dried rosemary.
Coat each piece of chicken evenly with the breadcrumb mixture using your hands.
Step 3: Baking The Chicken
Arrange the breaded chicken in baking dish next to each other.
Place the baking dish into your oven and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 375°F.
Continue to bake for 25-30 more minutes or until fully cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Take out from oven when golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Drizzle hot sauce or BBQ sauce over top of each piece of chicken breast while they are still hot from the oven. You may also lightly sprinkle brown sugar if you want it to be slightly sweet!
Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme leaves. And voila! Your scrumptious Fourth of July Southern Baked Chicken is ready to be served.
Enjoy with smothered chicken thigh, chicken leg quarters or any other variations you desire.
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I understand that sometimes you might not have all the ingredients on hand or you just want to change things up a bit. So, here are some substitutions and variations for this Fourth of July Southern Baked Chicken recipe that you can try out to make it your own.
Firstly, instead of chicken breasts, you can also use chicken leg quarters, smothered chicken thigh or even rotisserie chicken, as long as they have bones in them. Remember that bone-in chicken will take longer to cook but will be juicier and more tender than boneless chicken.
If you don’t have dried marjoram, you can substitute it with dried oregano or basil. You can also use fresh rosemary instead of dried rosemary for additional flavor.
If you prefer spicy food, you can add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, try adding some brown sugar to the seasoning mix for a sweet and savory twist.
For those who are health-conscious or watching their calorie intake, you can also oven roast the chicken instead of baking it with butter. To do this, place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray and bake it in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous and have a cast-iron skillet on hand, you can try making this into a southern-style skillet fried chicken by adding some self-rising flour to the seasoning mix and frying the chicken in hot oil until crispy golden brown.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to substituting and varying this Fourth of July Southern Baked Chicken recipe. So don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now comes the best part – serving and pairing your delicious Fourth of July Southern Baked Chicken Recipe with great sides and drinks. This dish pairs perfectly with classic southern sides like collard greens, cornbread, baked beans, coleslaw or macaroni and cheese.
But if you’re looking for some outside-the-box pairings, why not try roasted sweet potatoes or grilled asparagus? For a lighter option, consider pairing with a simple green salad drizzled with a honey mustard vinaigrette.
In terms of drinks, you can never go wrong with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing touch. And for those over 21, a cold beer or a fruity sangria is always a festive option.
If you’re hosting a large gathering or potluck this Fourth of July, this recipe can easily be multiplied to feed a crowd. Pair it with some other southern staples and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable feast.
Trust me, your guests will be delighted with this flavorful dish and the perfect pairing recommendations. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
In the midst of all the Fourth of July festivities, you might want to take some time off from cooking and still be able to serve a delicious meal. Luckily, this southern-style baked chicken can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
You can make the chicken up to two days before your event, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in a microwave, but this method may result in slightly rubbery chicken.
If you want to store the chicken for longer than two days, then you should freeze it after baking. Ensure that it has fully cooled down before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then bake according to instructions.
Always ensure that cooked chicken is kept refrigerated and used within four days of the original cook date. Make sure you reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.
Whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July party or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner option, this recipe fits right into your menu plan. Prep it ahead, freeze some for later, and enjoy its delicious southern-style flavors whenever you need them!
Tips for Perfect Results
Welcome to the tips section, where I’ll be sharing with you some crucial tips to help you achieve that perfectly crispy and mouth-watering Southern Baked Chicken. Here are some tips to take your baking game to the next level.
Firstly, it’s all about seasoning the chicken correctly. For the perfect balance of flavors, use a combination of dried marjoram, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. It’s essential to season both sides generously for a taste of Southern indulgence in every bite.
Secondly, eggs are an integral ingredient in Southern Fried Chicken. For a flavor-packed and crunchy crust on your baked chicken, dip each chicken breast in whisked egg mixture before coating with seasoned flour mixture.
Thirdly, baking times may vary depending on the oven and size of chicken breasts. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature has reached 165°F without over-baking it.
Fourthly, for extra crispy and evenly cooked chicken breasts, try to ensure that they are similar in size. Ensure that your oven is preheated at 425°F but do not overcrowd the oven or lay them on top of each other as this may result in uneven baking.
Fifthly, use cooking spray to coat both sides of the chicken breasts before placing them on a baking sheet or greased cast iron skillet. This will help make sure that they don’t stick and stay moist.
Sixthly, if you want to go for more flavor depth with the juices from the baked chicken dripping onto your baby potatoes or green mattes side dish, place vegetables under the baking rack while cooking rather than unto making everything crispy delicious.
Seventhly, invest in a high-quality meat thermometer for quick and accurate temperature readings. There’s nothing worse than dry or undercooked chicken breasts in your Fourth of July celebration!
Lastly, after taking them out of the oven let it rest for about ten minutes before serving. Resting the chicken ensures all the juices and flavors come together, giving you that perfect juicy and flavorful southern-style chicken.
Follow these helpful tips, and you’ll have a sure fire way of baking delicious southern-style chicken that’s great for everyday meals or your Fourth of July celebration. Happy cooking!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Fourth of July Southern Baked Chicken Recipe is one that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. By using a combination of herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme and paprika, the chicken is packed with flavor and moisture. Unlike traditional fried chicken, baking your chicken in the oven allows you to enjoy the taste without the added calories or mess. Additionally, this chicken recipe is incredibly versatile – it can be paired with a variety of barbecue sauces, sides or even served as a topping for salads!
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of baking chicken – it’s an easy and foolproof way to create a delicious meal that will impress everyone at your Fourth of July celebration. Feel free to customize this recipe by using different spices or adding hot sauce or brown sugar to create your own unique flavor profile.
So take a leap and give this Southern Baked Chicken Recipe a try, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. With crispy skin, tender meat and bold flavor, your guests will be begging for the recipe by the end of the night!
Fourth of July Southern Baked Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, cut into peices
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Butter baking pan or sheet, set aside.
- preheat oven to 375.
- Whisk eggs and in a seperate bowl combine the seasonings and bread crumbs.
- Coat chicken with egg mixture then in the crumb mixture.
- Place in buttered pan.
- Bake uncovered for an hour, approximately depending on thickness of the chicken. Turn chicken once during cooking time.