Craving a crispy, golden-brown chicken that’s bursting with flavor but without the guilt of frying? Look no further! Our Oven Fried Baked Chicken recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds while keeping things healthy. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, you’ll discover how easy it is to whip up this American classic in your own kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Are you ready to elevate your weeknight meals? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow dish, pour buttermilk and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place chicken thighs in the buttermilk, ensuring they are completely coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize the meat.
- In another shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Create a uniform coating mixture for the chicken.
- Remove chicken thighs from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each thigh thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating.
- Drizzle olive oil over the baking sheet, then place the breaded chicken thighs on the sheet. Ensure they are not touching each other for optimal crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Before cooking, remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and a juicy result.
- Use Buttermilk for Tenderness: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. Don’t skip this step—your taste buds will thank you!
- Season Your Breadcrumbs: Enhance the flavor of your coating by adding additional spices to the breadcrumb mixture. Consider experimenting with herbs like oregano or thyme for an extra kick.
- Don’t Skimp on the Olive Oil: Drizzling olive oil on the baking sheet helps achieve that desired crispy texture. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for the best results.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step lets the juices redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful meat.
- Pair with Sides: Serve your oven-fried chicken with delicious sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
