Quick and Easy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Welcome to my southern-style oven-fried chicken recipe. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the crunch and flavor of fried chicken without the hassle and mess of deep frying. You’ll love how crispy and juicy this chicken turns out, and the best part is that it’s healthier than traditional fried chicken since it’s baked in the oven.
I grew up in the south, where fried chicken was a staple at every family gathering and restaurant menu. However, as I grew older, I realized that eating fried food every day was not sustainable for my body or my taste buds. That’s why I set out to create a recipe that captures the essence of southern-style fried chicken but in a healthier way.
This recipe uses simple ingredients like buttermilk, flour, and cornmeal to give the chicken its iconic crunchy texture. The seasoning is key in this recipe too- a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme will give your taste buds an explosion of flavors.
Whether you make this recipe for a family dinner, a potluck or just meal-prep for the week, one thing is certain: you will never look back on traditional fried chicken once you try this oven-baked version! So grab some boneless skinless chicken breasts or even some thighs or legs if you prefer them over breasts- let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear food enthusiasts, let me introduce you to the Southern-Style Oven Fried Chicken. This recipe is an absolute masterpiece that will bring your taste buds to life with its crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior. Trust me, once you try this oven-fried chicken, you’ll forget all about deep-frying.
The best thing about the Southern-Style Oven Fried Chicken is that it’s so easy to make. You won’t even need a deep fryer or gallons of oil. All you need are some basic ingredients like flour, buttermilk, boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, and some spices like cayenne pepper and poultry seasoning.
Another great feature of this recipe is that it’s healthier than traditional southern-style fried chicken. Since it’s oven-baked instead of fried in oil, you’ll avoid consuming excess fat and calories without sacrificing any flavor. You can even substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if you have dietary restrictions.
Moreover, this recipe lends itself well to various serving and pairing options. You can enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with sides like mac and cheese, collard greens or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal that would be perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
In conclusion, this dish embodies the soul of southern cooking while simultaneously catering to your health concerns. So what are you waiting for? Trust me on this one; you’re going to love every bite of the Southern-Style Oven Fried Chicken!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this Southern-Style Oven Fried Chicken Recipe. Make sure you have all the following ingredients on hand:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs or legs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups plain bread crumbs
- Cooking spray
Note: If you want to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour mix and breadcrumbs.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the next section, where I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this Southern-Style Oven Fried Chicken Recipe. Before we dive in, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). In the meantime, gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can also use chicken thighs or legs)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
Step by Step Instructions:
- Combine the buttermilk, poultry seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add in the chicken pieces and let them soak for at least an hour (or marinate overnight for optimal flavor).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture; discard marinade.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture; shake off excess flour.
- Coat chicken with bread crumbs pressing down gently to help them adhere to the chicken.
- Place coated chicken on a lightly oiled nonstick baking sheet or ceramic baking dish.
- Bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
(Optional) If you’d like to make this recipe even easier, you can skip steps 1 and 2 and use this shortcut: Mix all of the chicken ingredients in a gallon-sized bag and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.
It’s that simple! This recipe yields golden crispy oven-fried chicken pieces without any of the hassle, mess, or unnecessary calories that come with deep frying.
Now comes one of the best parts, tasting your delicious Southern-Style Oven Fried Chicken.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to put your own spin on this delicious southern-style oven fried chicken recipe? No worries, my friend, there’s plenty of room to get creative! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Buttermilk alternatives: Don’t have buttermilk on hand? Try using regular milk or almond milk and mix it with a tablespoon of vinegar for every cup of milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes before using.
– Gluten-free option: If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative. You can use a gluten-free baking mix or try a combination of rice flour and cornstarch.
– Bread crumbs substitutions: If you want to mix things up in the bread crumbs category, try panko bread crumbs or crushed corn flakes instead of plain bread crumbs.
– Chicken cut swaps: The recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can easily use bone-in chicken thighs or legs, or even boneless chicken wings! Adjust the cooking times accordingly according to the cut being used.
– Spice level adjustments: The cayenne pepper in the recipe gives it a bit of a kick. If you want less spice, cut the amount in half. Want more spice? Double it up!
Get creative with these substitutions and variations and find your perfect twist on this tried-and-true southern favorite.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this southern-style oven fried chicken recipe, you will have endless options. Serve it up with your favorite sides to create a classic southern meal that will knock your socks off.
First, let’s talk about pairing. This chicken recipe is so versatile that you can pair it with just about any side dish. I recommend serving it with classics like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or collard greens for an authentic soul food experience. You could also opt for something lighter like a side salad or roasted vegetables if you want to balance out the richness of the chicken.
Now on to serving size. This recipe serves 4-6 people and can easily be doubled or tripled if needed. If you’re feeding a smaller crowd, don’t worry – leftover southern-style oven fried chicken is just as tasty the next day!
One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is family-style, right in the middle of the table, surrounded by various sides and dips. This setup encourages casual dining while allowing everyone to grab a piece of their own favorite part (thighs, breasts, legs or wings).
Lastly, I recommend pairing this southern-style oven fried chicken with homemade dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch dressing for an extra bit of flavor. Trust me when I say that you won’t need any other extras – this recipe stands alone as one of the best classic southern dishes you could ever prepare.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this southern-style oven fried chicken recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. If you’re planning to make a big batch, you can easily prepare it a day or two in advance.
To store the cooked chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it for longer, freeze it instead. Wrap each piece individually with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months.
When reheating the fried chicken, there are a few methods you can use depending on your preference. The easiest way is to simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through. This will give you crispy skin again, but if you prefer it extra crispy then try using an air fryer instead.
Alternatively, you can also reheat the chicken in the microwave but be careful not to overcook it, as this will make it dry and tough.
It’s important to remember that while reheating is certainly an option, nothing beats the taste and texture of freshly cooked southern-style oven fried chicken. So if you can spare the time and effort, consider making a fresh batch instead of reheating leftovers.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps to make this delicious southern-style oven-fried chicken recipe, let me share with you some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time.
1. Soak the chicken in buttermilk
There is a reason why buttermilk is a common ingredient in southern-style fried chicken recipes. It helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or even overnight will give you juicier and more flavorful chicken.
2. Use boneless skinless chicken breasts
While chicken thighs are often used for fried chicken, I prefer using boneless skinless chicken breasts for this oven-fried version. They cook faster and more evenly, and they also have less fat than other cuts.
3. Don’t overcrowd the baking dish
Make sure to use a baking dish that is big enough for your chicken pieces without crowding them. Overcrowding will prevent air from circulating around the chicken, resulting in uneven cooking and less crispy skin.
4. Generously season with spices
Southern-style cuisine is all about bold, delicious flavors, so don’t be shy when it comes to seasoning your chicken. Mix together flour, cayenne pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful coating for your chicken.
5. Use a cooking spray
To achieve that crispy texture on the outside of your oven-fried chicken pieces without deep-frying them, you need to use a cooking spray. Spray each piece generously with cooking spray before putting them in the oven.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked and crispy southern-style oven-fried chicken every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to make this delicious southern-style oven fried chicken, you may have some questions about the recipe. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some frequently asked questions and helpful tips to ensure that your chicken turns out crispy, golden brown and bursting with flavors. So let’s dive into the FAQ section and get all of your questions answered!
What is the difference between fried chicken and Southern fried chicken?
If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful chicken, you’ve likely heard of Southern fried chicken. This popular dish involves coating chicken in a mixture of seasoned flour or batter and then cooking it by pan-frying, deep frying, pressure frying, or air frying. The coating adds both texture and taste to the chicken, making for a mouthwatering meal that’s full of flavor.
Why do you add baking soda to flour for fried chicken?
When preparing southern-style fried food, it is important to have a rough exterior that offers satisfying crunch with every bite. This can be achieved through moisture in the batter or coating. Baking powder plays an important role in this process as it acts as a dehydrating agent by drawing out moisture, resulting in a desirable rough texture.
Do you use baking soda or cornstarch for crispy fried chicken?
Achieving the perfect crispy texture in fried chicken using a secret ingredient.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern-Style Oven Fried Chicken Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste of crispy and juicy chicken. It is an easy-to-follow recipe with simple ingredients that you will surely enjoy. Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you.
By following my step-by-step instructions and tips, you can make delicious and crispy oven-fried chicken that tastes like it was deep-fried but without the added calories and grease. You can also experiment with different variations, such as using chicken thighs instead of breasts or adding more cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
So why not give this recipe a try and experience the savory taste of Southern-style cuisine right in your own kitchen? It’s sure to impress your family and guests alike!
Southern-Style Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 cup corn flake crumbs
- 6 (5 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F; lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, and set aside.
- On waxed paper, combine flour with cayenne pepper and combine Creole seasoning & poultry seasoning with corn flakes.
- Roll chicken in seasoned flour, dip in buttermilk, then roll in seasoned crumbs.
- Place coated chicken breasts in prepared baking dish.
- Bake until chicken is tender and no longer pink (about 1 hour).