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Oven Fried Chicken: Crispy, Healthy, and Delicious Recipe

Crispy, flavorful oven-fried chicken that’s healthier than traditional frying but just as delicious!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breasts)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (optional, for flavor)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil, divided

Instructions

  1. Pat the Chicken Dry: Thoroughly pat each piece of chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. Prepare Buttermilk Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce (if using).
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk well.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk mixture, and dredge again in the flour mixture. Press to coat well.
  5. Let Chicken Rest: Place coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Let rest for at least 20 minutes (up to an hour in the refrigerator).
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour 1/4 cup of vegetable oil onto the parchment paper and spread evenly.
  8. Place Chicken on Baking Sheet: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
  9. Drizzle with Remaining Oil: Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over the top of the chicken pieces.
  10. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes.
  11. Flip: Carefully flip the chicken pieces over.
  12. Continue Baking: Continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  13. Optional: Broil: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  14. Let Rest: Remove from oven and transfer chicken to a wire rack. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
  15. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; bake in batches if necessary.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C).
  • Adjust baking time as needed based on your oven and chicken size.
  • Experiment with spices to your liking.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • For spicy chicken, add more cayenne pepper or use a spicier hot sauce.
  • For honey garlic chicken, brush with a mixture of honey and garlic after baking.
  • For lemon herb chicken, add lemon zest and fresh herbs to the flour mixture.