The Best Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy Without Deep Frying

My grandma’s secret to crispy, golden oven-fried chicken always made Sunday dinners legendary.

Crunchy coating and juicy meat create pure comfort food magic.

Perfecting this technique requires just a few smart tricks.

Buttermilk marinades help tenderize every succulent piece of meat.

Southern-style seasoning brings incredible depth to each delectable bite.

Restaurant-quality results happen right in your own kitchen without complicated steps.

Watching everyone’s faces light up when this chicken hits the table makes cooking feel like pure joy.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat by breaking down proteins, making the chicken extra juicy and soft while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances overall taste.

• Can I use different types of chicken pieces?

Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings – just adjust cooking time slightly for smaller or larger pieces to ensure even cooking.

• How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Spraying the coated chicken with olive oil or cooking spray before baking helps create a golden, crunchy exterior that mimics traditional fried chicken without excess oil.

• Is this recipe healthier than traditional deep-fried chicken?

Yes! Oven-frying reduces oil content significantly, cutting down calories and fat while still delivering a crispy, delicious chicken dish that’s lighter and more nutritious.

What Makes Oven-Fried Chicken the Ultimate Favorite

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this delicious oven-fried chicken in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
• Healthier Cooking Technique: Achieve crispy, golden chicken without deep-frying by using the oven method, reducing excess oil and calories while maintaining incredible flavor and texture.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Create a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, with simple ingredients and a foolproof cooking process that guarantees delicious results every time.
• Versatile Meal Option: Customize the recipe by adjusting spices or using different cuts of chicken, making it adaptable for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Oven-Fried Chicken Ingredient Profile

• Bone-in Chicken Thighs, Drumsticks: Juicy dark meat cuts that provide rich flavor and stay moist during cooking. Skin-on pieces help create a crispy exterior.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize chicken and adds tangy flavor. Acidic properties break down proteins for more tender meat.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, golden-brown crust. Panko offers extra crunchiness compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: Provides deep, savory flavor profile. Spices add complexity and enhance overall taste of chicken.

• Olive Oil, Cooking Spray: Helps achieve crispy exterior and prevents sticking. Olive oil adds subtle richness to the coating.

Oven-Fried Chicken Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of cooking spray.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Bath

Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk.

Let them soak and get tender for at least 30 minutes (overnight works magic for extra juiciness).

Step 3: Mix the Crunchy Coating

• Plain breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Step 4: Dress the Chicken

Pull chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip away.

Roll each piece generously in the seasoned coating, pressing gently to help crumbs stick perfectly.

Step 5: Set Up for Baking

Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

Lightly mist with olive oil or cooking spray to boost crispiness.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through cooking.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes.

This helps lock in those delicious juices before serving your crispy, mouth-watering creation.

Oven-Fried Chicken With Crispy Skin – Cooking Know-How

• Infuse buttermilk with hot sauce or herbs for an extra flavor punch that deeply marinates the chicken.
• Mix panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs to create an incredibly crispy, textured exterior that stays crunchy.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without overdrying, ensuring juicy and safe meat.
• Lightly mist chicken with olive oil before baking to help achieve golden-brown, crispy skin without deep-frying.
• Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Keep Oven-Fried Chicken Crispy When Reheating

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Restore crispiness by preheating the oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For quick reheating, use the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals. Check temperature to ensure even heating and avoid overcooking.
• Always verify internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating to guarantee food safety and eliminate potential bacteria.

Enjoy with Oven-fried Chicken

• Pair Zesty Coleslaw: Tangy, crunchy coleslaw balances the rich, crispy chicken with its fresh and creamy texture, cutting through the richness while adding a bright, refreshing element to the meal.
• Serve Southern-Style Corn Salad: Sweet corn kernels mixed with herbs and a light dressing complement the chicken's savory coating, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that screams summer comfort food.
• Match with Cold Craft Beer: A hoppy, light American pale ale or wheat beer cuts through the chicken's crispy coating, refreshing the palate and enhancing the overall dining experience with its crisp, clean finish.
• Pour Sparkling Sweet Tea: A classic Southern-style sweet tea with bubbles provides a cool, sweet counterpoint to the seasoned chicken, offering a refreshing drink that ties the entire meal together perfectly.

Oven-Fried Chicken with Crispy and Tender Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Use gluten-free seasoning blends to maintain flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Use a low-carb breading mixture with powdered Parmesan cheese for extra crunch.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the breading mixture. Include red pepper flakes for increased heat and bold flavor.
• Herb-Infused Option: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the coating. Incorporate fresh chopped herbs into the buttermilk marinade for deeper herb notes.

The Best Oven-fried Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern-style Oven-Fried Chicken delivers crispy, golden perfection without deep-frying hassles. Seasoned breading and smart baking techniques guarantee juicy meat and irresistible crunch that keeps families coming back for more.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 drumsticks

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Elevate the chicken’s flavor by submerging it in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, allowing the tangy liquid to tenderize and infuse the meat with rich, creamy notes.
2. Create a robust coating by blending breadcrumbs with flour and an aromatic medley of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Gently extract each chicken piece from the buttermilk bath, allowing excess liquid to cascade off, then meticulously enrobe the meat in the seasoned breading mixture.
4. Position the thoroughly coated chicken pieces on a prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching for optimal air circulation.
5. Enhance the potential for a crisp exterior by lightly misting the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray, which will promote golden-brown coloration.
6. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, transforming the chicken through even, radiant heat for approximately 35–40 minutes.
7. Midway through cooking, delicately flip each piece to guarantee uniform browning and consistent doneness.
8. Verify the chicken’s readiness by confirming an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a reliable meat thermometer.
9. Allow the chicken to rest for a brief 5-minute interlude, permitting juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum succulence before serving.

Notes

• Use cold buttermilk for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
• Choose bone-in chicken pieces for juicier results and richer taste.
• Elevate chicken on a wire rack while baking to ensure crispy all-around coating and prevent soggy bottom.
• Customize seasoning blend by adding cayenne for heat or herbs like thyme for extra complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg