Craving the crispy, golden goodness of fried chicken without the extra calories? Get ready to discover the ultimate Southern-style chicken recipe that will make your taste buds dance and your health-conscious heart sing! This oven-fried chicken takes all the beloved flavors of traditional Southern cooking and transforms them into a lighter, healthier dish that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken with a crunchy cornmeal coating that rivals any deep-fried version - all achieved with minimal oil and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a shallow bowl, mix buttermilk with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- In another shallow dish, combine cornmeal, paprika, additional salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Dip each chicken thigh first into buttermilk mixture, ensuring complete coating. Allow excess to drip off.
- Roll buttermilk-coated chicken in cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to help breading adhere completely.
- Place breaded chicken thighs on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Spray chicken lightly with cooking spray to help achieve golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with optional side of coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or green vegetables.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum juiciness.
- Dry Those Thighs: Pat the chicken completely dry before dipping in buttermilk to help the coating stick better and create a crispier exterior.
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Leave space between chicken pieces on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring a crispy all-around coating.
- Cooking Spray Trick: A light spray of cooking oil helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior that mimics deep-frying.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest Period: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.Pro tip: Serve with a side of tangy coleslaw or fresh green vegetables to complete this delightful Southern-inspired meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
