Oven Fried Chicken is a healthier version of classic fried chicken that is crispy, crunchy, and delicious. It is usually made with chicken thighs, drumsticks, basic seasonings, buttermilk, eggs, and a breading mixture. Making Fried Chicken in the oven is one of the healthy and best-fried chicken recipes without the added calories and fat. It can be served on its own or with your favorite sides for lunch or dinner.
In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Oven Fried Chicken at home with easy step-by-step instructions. I have also included a detailed video to make the cooking process simple and clear.
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What is Oven Fried Chicken?
Oven Fried Chicken is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make alternative to classic fried chicken. It is made with chicken thighs and drumsticks coated with basic seasonings, without deep-frying, resulting in a crispy texture with considerably less oil. It is perfect for lunch or dinner and tastes great with a variety of sides such as roasted or baked vegetables, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw.
Compared to classic fried chicken, the oven-fried version of this recipe is a healthier option. Oven Fried Chicken has fewer calories and less fat because it is baked instead of deep-fried. It is an excellent chicken dinner option when you are craving oily foods but want to avoid unhealthy fats.
This recipe is one of the best-fried chicken recipes as it retains the same delicious flavor and texture as traditional fried chicken. This dish is a perfect choice for health-conscious individuals who want to avoid excessive fat and calories.
If you're planning a party or looking to make a special meal for your loved ones, you should consider making Oven Fried Chicken. It's not only healthy but it also retains the same crunch and flavor of the classic version that everyone loves. So why not give this recipe a try today? It's perfect for hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family meal, or even just as a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need to make Oven-Fried Chicken are some basic pantry ingredients and spice powders. Let's take a look at them below.
For Breading
Following are the ingredients required for breading the chicken.
- Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks (Skinless and Bone-In): These cuts of chicken are ideal for oven-frying as they are juicy and flavorful, and the bone-in pieces help to keep the meat moist during cooking. However, you can also use boneless chicken breast if that's handy for you. But note that the cooking temperature may differ for boneless chicken pieces
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the main component of the breading and helps to create a crispy and golden exterior for the chicken
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a key ingredient in the breading that helps to create a light and crunchy texture on the chicken
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and larger than traditional breadcrumbs. I have used Italian panko here but you can also use regular bread crumbs and season it with Italian seasonings. They usually add a crispy and flavorful coating to the chicken
- Buttermilk: Serves as a great tenderizer for the chicken. If it is not handy you can also use milk or milk with 1 tsp of vinegar for similar results
- Eggs: Beaten eggs are used to help the breading mixture adhere to the chicken and create a crispy texture
Other Ingredients
Following are the additional ingredients required for oven-fried chicken.
- Spice Powders: A blend of spices including paprika, garlic, onion, cumin, and black pepper powder adds delicious flavor to the chicken
- Oil Spray: A light coating of oil spray on the breaded chicken helps to promote even browning and a crisp texture in the oven
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Oven Fried Chicken at Home?
The recipe I am sharing here is for Oven-Fried Chicken, a healthy way to make classic fried chicken. It is made with basic seasonings, chicken thighs, and drumsticks, without deep-frying, yet still achieves the same crispiness and crunchiness as the classic version. I hope this guilt-free and considerably lower oil alternative to classic fried chicken is sure to be a hit with your whole family.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
Season the Chicken
- Grab the ingredients - To make oven-fried chicken, you'll need a combination of spices and buttermilk to marinate the chicken before coating it in a breading mixture
- Mix the spices - To start, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl
- Season the chicken - Next, add chicken thighs and drumsticks to another bowl and pour the spice mixture over them. Add in buttermilk and beaten eggs, and mix well
- Rest the chicken - Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. You can also leave it for an hour if you have the time
Bread the Chicken
- Prep the breading - In a separate shallow tray, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, paprika, onion and garlic powder, black pepper, and salt
- Dredge the chicken - Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the breading mixture, making sure to shake off any excess flour
Prep Oven Fried Chicken
- Place the chicken - Place the breaded chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and spray some oil on top.
- Bake - Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 390 degrees F for around 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. You'll want to make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F
- Remove - Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Don't skip the spices - Seasoning the chicken with spice powders can greatly enhance the flavor of the dish, so I highly recommend not skipping this step. Additionally, you can tailor the level of heat to your preferences by adjusting the amount of paprika or using chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick
- Buttermilk and eggs - They are key ingredients for marinating the chicken, as they help the chicken to coat evenly with the breading mixture. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk or mix milk with a tsp of vinegar for similar results
- Oil Spray - Although optional, using oil spray can help achieve a nice golden, crispy exterior for the chicken
- Temperature - I recommend frying the chicken at 390°F for about 45 to 50 mins. However, the time may vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces
- It's important to ensure the chicken reaches the safest internal temperature of 165°F, as recommended by the FDA, using a kitchen thermometer
Storage Suggestions
This Oven-Fried Chicken tastes great when served immediately after cooking. However, you can also store it in the refrigerator for up to two days in a closed container. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F and heat the chicken for 15 to 30 mins, or until it is warm throughout.
You can also freeze Oven Fried Chicken for up to a month, making it a great option for meal prepping. To freeze the chicken, place it on a parchment-lined tray and freeze it for an hour. Once it's partially frozen, transfer it to freezer-friendly bags and store them in the freezer for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy the chicken, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Oven-fried chicken is a delicious main course, but it can be even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Some great options to serve alongside oven-fried chicken include:
- Roasted or baked vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or sweet potatoes
- Potatoes dishes: Creamy mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, and roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with any type of fried chicken
- Coleslaw: A fresh and crunchy coleslaw is a great side dish to balance out the richness of the chicken
- Baked beans: They are a satisfying side dish that adds some sweetness and depth of flavor to the meal
- Corn on the cob: It is a tasty and easy side dish
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can be a refreshing and healthy side dish
- Macaroni and cheese: Creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that is always a hit
Related Recipes
You can also find similar recipes below and more at fried chicken recipes and chicken recipes.
- Fried Chicken
- Fried Chicken Wings
- Chicken Nuggets
- Popcorn Chicken
- Baked Chicken Wings
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Oven Fried Chicken Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Oven Fried Chicken Recipe below that I hope will help you to make a healthy dish at home. You can also find this recipe in story format.
📖 Recipe
Oven Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Thighs, skinless
- 4 Chicken Drumsticks, skinless
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup All Purpose Flavor
- ½ cup Italian Panko Breadcrumb
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- ¼ cup Buttermilk
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder, ½ tsp for chicken + ½ tsp for the breading
- 1 tsp Onion Powder, ½ tsp for chicken + ½ tsp for the breading
- 1½ tsp Paprika, 1 tsp for chicken + ½ tsp for the breading mix
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- ¾ tsp Black Pepper Powder, ½ tsp for chicken + ¼ tsp for the breading mix
- Salt, 1 tsp for seasoning and to taste for breading
Instructions
To make Oven Fried Chicken
- In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well
- In another large bowl, add chicken thighs and drumsticks. Add the seasoning powder prepared in the previous step. Pour in buttermilk and two beaten eggs. Mix everything well
- Close the bowl with a lid and allow the chicken to rest for at least 15 to 30 minutes. If you have time, you can marinate it for 1 hour
- In a shallow tray, add all-purpose flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix everything well
- Dredge the marinated chicken and coat it with the breading mixture. Make sure to shake off the excess flour. Repeat the same for the remaining chicken pieces as well
- Place the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spray oil on the chicken pieces, which will help create a golden-brown crispy layer once cooked in the oven
- Now bake the breaded chicken in the preheated oven at 390 degrees F for about 45 to 50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You'll want to make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F
- Remove the Oven-Fried Chicken from the oven, and it is now ready for you to taste and enjoy
To Serve
- Serve this crispy Oven-Fried Chicken with sauces like ketchup, tzatziki sauce, honey mustard sauce, chili sauce, or mayonnaise. You can also serve it along with your favorite sides like roasted potatoes, baked potatoes, or roasted vegetables of your choice. It also tastes great with mac n cheese, coleslaw, or other simple salads
Video
Notes
- Don't skip the spices - Seasoning the chicken with spice powders can greatly enhance the flavor of the dish, so I highly recommend not skipping this step. Additionally, you can tailor the level of heat to your preferences by adjusting the amount of paprika or using chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick
- Buttermilk and eggs - They are key ingredients for marinating the chicken, as they help the chicken to coat evenly with the breading mixture. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk or mix milk with a tsp of vinegar for similar results
- Oil Spray - Although optional, using oil spray can help achieve a nice golden, crispy exterior for the chicken
- Temperature - I recommend frying the chicken at 390°F for about 45 to 50 mins. However, the time may vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces
- It's important to ensure the chicken reaches the safest internal temperature of 165°F, as recommended by the FDA, using a kitchen thermometer
Nutrition
FAQ
Oven Fried Chicken is a healthier version of classic fried chicken that is crispy, crunchy, and delicious. It is usually made with chicken thighs, drumsticks, basic seasonings, buttermilk, eggs, and a breading mixture. Making Fried Chicken in the oven is one of the best ways to enjoy classic fried chicken without the added calories and fat. It can be served on its own or with your favorite sides for lunch or dinner.
The temperature for cooking Oven Fried Chicken can range from 390°F to 425°F for bone-in chicken pieces. We recommend cooking the chicken at 390°F for about 45 to 50 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or a combination of milk and 1 teaspoon of vinegar to achieve similar results. Simply mix the milk and vinegar together and let it sit for 5 minutes before using them in the recipe.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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