Oven-Baked “Fried” Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Guilt-Free

Get that fried chicken crunch, guilt-free! My oven baked fried chicken recipe is crispy, juicy, and healthier. Ditch the takeaway, try it tonight!

Right then, let's dive into this absolute winner of a recipe! Ever get that craving for proper fried chicken, but the thought of all that oil puts you off?

Recipe Introduction: Oven Baked "Fried" Chicken!

Quick Hook

Fancy oven baked fried chicken that tastes just as good, but without the guilt? This recipe gives you that classic flavour with a healthier twist. Honestly, it’s a game-changer!

Brief Overview

Proper fried chicken is a classic for a reason. this baked version captures the essence of that, using a clever baking method.

It's medium difficulty. it takes around an hour and ten to an hour and twenty minutes total, and serves 4-6 people.

Main Benefits

One of the top benefits is obviously the reduced fat! this is the perfect dish for a weekend treat or a family get-together.

What makes this recipe special is that it brings that comforting, familiar flavour of fried chicken to your table in a healthier and more accessible way.

Craving that Crispy Crunch?

This oven baked fried chicken gives you the ultimate satisfaction. We use a double-baking technique for perfect crispiness.

Time to Gather Your Kit!

Before we get started, grab your ingredients. there is no need to rush, we want to achieve honey garlic glazed salmon greatness.

The reference recipe is great but, let's do our version right!.

Ingredients You Will Need

Right, let’s get this show on the road! I have laid out all of my ingredients here for you so we don't miss out on anything!

For the Chicken:

• 1.4 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are preferred. Thighs, drumsticks, and wings are all fine!.
• 2 cups of buttermilk, makes the chicken tender.
• 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon of salt.
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper.

For the Crispy Coating:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour are enough to coat it all nicely.
• ½ cup of cornstarch for extra crispness, and this is important!
• 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky flavor.
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder adds depth.
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
• 1 teaspoon of salt.
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
• ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat).
• ½ cup of avocado oil (or other high-heat oil, such as vegetable or canola).

Tools To Hand

You'll need a big bowl, some shallow dishes or baking trays, a wire rack, a baking sheet, and a meat thermometer to do this properly.

You can also create this recipe and substitute for some honey salmon recipes .

Now you are all set!

Right, let's dive into the good stuff! we're making oven baked fried chicken , right? so, first, we need to chat about what you'll need.

Honestly, it's simpler than you think. forget faffing about; this is all about flavour!

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, listen up! It's all about quality ingredients for great oven baked fried chicken . Proper prep makes this dish sing! Let's have a chinwag about what you'll need.

Main Ingredients

This is where the magic starts. Let's gather everything we need for amazing oven baked fried chicken !

• Chicken Pieces: About 1.4 kg (around 3 lbs ) of bone-in, skin-on bits. Thighs and drumsticks are your best bet, trust me.
• Buttermilk: 2 cups ( 473 ml ). Seriously, don't skimp. It tenderises the chicken beautifully.
• Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). I'm partial to Frank's RedHot, but any will do.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml )
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml )
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups ( 240g ). This is your base.
• Cornstarch: ½ cup ( 60g ). Hello, crispy!
• Smoked Paprika: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Adds that lovely smoky depth.
• Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml )
• Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml )
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml )
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml )
• Salt: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml )
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml )
• Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) (optional, for a bit of a kick).
• Avocado Oil: ½ cup ( 120ml ). Or any oil that can handle the heat.

For the chicken, make sure it looks fresh. no weird smells, yeah? pink and plump is what you're after. trust your nose! for the spices? check they are still pungent.

You know, that fresh smell.

Seasoning Notes

It's all about layering those flavours, innit? get this bit right, and you're golden! the smoked paprika is key for that “fried” taste, but garlic and onion powder give a good base.

Honestly, thyme and oregano add a bit of that "something special" vibe. i find that using smoked paprika will yield to a deep fried sensation, a taste that will make your oven baked fried chicken unforgettable

Don't have smoked paprika? A bit of regular paprika and a tiny drop of liquid smoke will do the trick.

Equipment Needed

Right, let's keep this simple. No need for fancy gadgets!

• Large bowl
• Shallow dishes or baking trays
• Wire rack
• Baking sheet
• Meat thermometer

No wire rack? A cooling rack from your baking set works just fine. Don't sweat it.

And there you have it! simple, yeah? let's get cooking! i'm telling you, this oven baked fried chicken will knock your socks off.

It's my twist on that delicious honey garlic glazed salmon , just with chicken instead of salmon filets ! if you like my honey salmon recipes and honey garlic salmon , get ready to love this!

Alright, let's dive into making some seriously good oven baked fried chicken! seriously, ditch that takeaway menu. you're gonna nail this! it's easier and healthier than you think, but still packs that proper fried chicken punch.

Oven-Baked “Fried” Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Guilt-Free

Craving that classic fried chicken crunch without the deep-frying stress (and all that extra oil)? this recipe delivers perfectly crispy, juicy "fried" chicken straight from your oven.

We're using a clever technique to get that golden-brown, satisfyingly crunchy crust, reminiscent of the best sunday lunch fried chicken, but with a fraction of the calories.

Get ready for a taste of down-home comfort, made healthy and easy. honestly, it's a game changer.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Right then, mise en place is key here. Get all your ingredients measured out. Chop chop!

• Essential mise en place:
  • Have all your chicken pieces ready.
  • Mix your buttermilk marinade.
  • Combine your dry coating ingredients.
• Time-saving organization tips:
  • Use separate bowls. One for wet, one for dry. Obvious, innit?
  • Prep your baking sheet with a wire rack before you start dredging.
• Safety reminders (if applicable):
  • Wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken. Common sense, really!
  • Make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through to 74° C / 165° F . No one wants a dodgy tummy!

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step "Fried" Chicken Magic

Alright, let's get started!

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours . This is crucial for flavour and juicy chicken, innit.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk it all together until evenly distributed.
3. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken piece out of the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Get that chicken into the flour mixture, making sure it's properly coated. Give it a good press to make sure the coating sticks. Then, place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
4. Prepare the Oil: Pour the avocado oil into a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops and sides of the chicken with the oil. Honestly, this is what gives it that "fried" effect.
5. Bake the Chicken: Stick the baking sheet with the chicken in the preheated oven to 220° C / 425° F and bake for 25 minutes .
6. Flip and Continue Baking: Carefully flip the chicken pieces. Brush again with a little oil (if there's any left). Reduce the oven temperature to 200° C / 400° F and keep baking for another 20- 30 minutes , or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74° C / 165° F in the thickest part, and the juices run clear when you poke it with a fork.
7. Rest and Serve: Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest on the wire rack for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Proper Crispy Goodness

Right, here's where the magic happens.

• Brush generously with oil before baking. Don't be shy!
• Use a wire rack to let air circulate. No soggy bottoms here!
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the chicken space to breathe!
• Common mistakes to avoid: Not marinating long enough. Skipping the oil brushing. Not checking the internal temperature.
• Make-ahead options: You can marinate the chicken the night before. Just keeps it in the fridge, yeah?

So there you have it. Oven Baked Fried Chicken that's actually pretty good for you. Go on, give it a bash! It's proper banging.

Alright, let's talk about the bits and bobs that make this oven baked fried chicken recipe even better, shall we? Honestly, these are the things that take it from "good" to "oh my gosh, this is amazing !"

Recipe Notes

Plating Like a Pro & Fab Serving Suggestions

Right, first impressions count, don't they? I like to serve my oven baked fried chicken on a big platter. A bit of chopped parsley on top makes it look dead fancy.

For sides? you can't go wrong with classic coleslaw. creamy mashed potatoes and gravy are also a win! if you're feeling fancy, chuck in some corn on the cob.

Or a nice honey garlic glazed salmon is also a sure hit. i know, i know, it sounds weird, but trust me.

The salmon and chicken work! as for drinks, a crisp lemonade or even a cheeky beer will do the trick.

If you love honey salmon recipes , give it a go!

Storage Secrets & Reheating Hacks

So, you've got leftovers? ace! let the oven baked fried chicken cool completely. then, pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3-4 days. for reheating, honestly, the oven's your best bet. it helps to get the crisp back.

About 180° c / 350° f for 10- 15 minutes should do it. you can also try reheating the chicken using air fryer method.

Freezing? not ideal, but doable. wrap each piece individually in cling film. then put them in a freezer bag. it will last for up to 2 months.

Defrost fully before reheating. heads up: it won't be as crispy as fresh. dinner seafood is also a great option for meal prep!

Switching it Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a bit of a change? Go spicy! Add a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper to the flour mix. Boom! If you're avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free flour blend. Easy peasy.

Want to go dairy-free? Mix almond milk with a bit of lemon juice. Let it sit, and you've got a buttermilk substitute. Salmon Filets can also be adapted easily for dietary needs!

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, so, rough numbers – one serving of this oven baked fried chicken is around 450-550 calories. you're looking at about 40-50g of protein, which is fab! there's around 25-35g of fat.

Carbs are about 20-30g. remember, this is just a guesstimate.

Salmon Glaze Recipes are usually lower in calories than fried chicken, but hey, everything in moderation, right? And remember that Salmon Recipes Baked Healthy is also a great option.

Right then! this oven baked fried chicken is honestly worth a shot. it's proper tasty and a little bit better for you than the deep-fried stuff.

Get in the kitchen and have a go! you might just surprise yourself! try and check out the chunky chef for more recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get my oven baked fried chicken extra crispy?

Crispy oven baked fried chicken is all about the technique! First, make sure to use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet so the air can circulate. Don’t skimp on brushing the chicken generously with oil before and halfway through baking; this helps it crisp up nicely. Lastly, ensure you don't overcrowd the baking sheet, giving each piece room to breathe and get that golden-brown deliciousness. It's all a bit like getting a perfect Sunday roast – patience and attention to detail are key!

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this oven baked fried chicken recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with various bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Thighs and drumsticks are particularly great as they stay juicy and flavorful. Chicken breasts can be used, but be mindful of overcooking them; you might need to reduce the baking time slightly. Just remember to always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 74°C / 165°F. It's your kitchen, so experiment away – be a culinary Del Boy!

What's the best way to store leftover oven baked “fried” chicken?

To keep your leftover oven baked "fried" chicken tasting its best, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will be good for 3-4 days. For reheating, the oven is your best bet to maintain some crispiness – bake at 180°C / 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You could also use an air fryer for that like-new, crispified experience.

I'm gluten-free. Can I still make this oven baked fried chicken?

Yes, you can definitely make a gluten-free version! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the coating with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help with the texture. Also, double-check that all your other ingredients, like the hot sauce, are also gluten-free. No need to miss out on that fried chicken goodness – it's a cracking alternative for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can certainly get a head start! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in advance, or even prepare the flour mixture and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. However, it's best to dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and bake it closer to when you plan to serve it, as the coating can get a bit soggy if left for too long. Think of it as getting the prep done before the footie match starts - ready to go when the whistle blows!

Is oven baked "fried" chicken healthier than traditional deep-fried chicken?

Absolutely! Baking significantly reduces the amount of oil absorbed compared to deep-frying, making it a much lighter option. By using a high-heat oil sparingly and baking instead of frying, you can enjoy that "fried" chicken flavour with fewer calories and less fat. It's a win-win situation: you get to tuck into a delicious meal without feeling too guilty about it. Now that's what I call a proper result!

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