Oven Fried Chicken is a healthier take on the classic fried favorite. Instead of deep-frying, this recipe bakes seasoned chicken thighs and drumsticks to crispy perfection, much like air-fryer fried chicken. You’ll still get all the crunch and flavor you love but with fewer calories and less fat.
What You’ll Find On This Page
This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want to enjoy fried chicken without the guilt. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone, whether they’re health-conscious or just craving that crispy, savory bite.
Try this Oven Fried Chicken and enjoy the best of both worlds – flavor and health!
Enjoy More Baked Chicken Recipes:
- Baked Chicken Wings
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this Oven-Fried Chicken recipe, you’ll need a few simple pantry staples and some basic spices. Here's what to gather:
Ingredients for Breading
- Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks (Skinless, Bone-In): I love using these cuts because they stay juicy and flavorful. The bone keeps them moist during baking. You can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer, but just keep in mind the cooking time might change.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is key for that crispy, golden coating we all love.
- Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch makes the chicken even crunchier. It’s a simple trick that really works!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: I like using Italian panko for extra flavor and a nice coarse texture. If you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs with a bit of Italian seasoning will do the job.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken beautifully. If you don’t have it on hand, just use milk or mix milk with a teaspoon of vinegar—works just as well.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs are what help the coating stick to the chicken, giving it that crispy finish we’re aiming for.
Seasoning Ingredients
- Spice Powders: A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and black pepper. These spices add a savory, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
- Oil Spray: A quick spray of oil over the breaded chicken helps it brown evenly and gives it that crispy texture.
How to Make Oven Fried Chicken at Home?
Let’s start making this Oven-Fried Chicken! First, we’ll prepare the seasoning mix, then marinate and coat the chicken, and finally, bake it to crispy perfection. I’ve included photos and a video to help you follow along with the steps. Take a look!
Explore a World of Fried Chicken Recipes and More:
- Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
- Classic Fried Chicken
- Chicken Fried Chicken
- Fried Chicken Tenders
- Fried Chicken Wings
- Korean Fried Chicken
- Chicken Nuggets
- Popcorn Chicken
- Chicken Cutlets
- Fish Fry (Fried Fish)
- Fried Shrimp
Oven Fried Chicken
Oven Fried Chicken: A crispy, healthier twist on the classic! Juicy thighs and drumsticks are perfectly seasoned and coated in a golden, crunchy breading. Enjoy this guilt-free, oven-baked favorite with your favorite sides for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
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Ingredients
For Seasoning Mix
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
For Marinating the Chicken
- 4 Chicken Thighs, skinless
- 4 Chicken Drumsticks, skinless
- ¼ cup Buttermilk
- 2 Eggs
For the Breading Mixture
- 1 cup All Purpose Flavor
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- ½ cup Italian Panko Breadcrumb
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
For Baking
- Oil, to spray
Instructions
Preparing Seasoning Mix
- Start by making the seasoning mix. In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything until the spices are evenly mixed, then set it aside for the next step.
Marinating the Chicken
- Start by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken, then pour in the buttermilk and two beaten eggs. Gently toss everything so the chicken is evenly coated.
- Let the chicken marinate. Cover the bowl and allow it to rest for at least 15 to 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to 1 hour to enhance the flavor.
Preparing Breading Mixture
- While the chicken is marinating, get the breading ready. In a shallow tray, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, extra paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything until the dry ingredients are well combined.
Coating the Chicken
- Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Take one piece at a time and dredge the marinated chicken in the breading mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated, then gently shake off any excess flour. Repeat this for all the chicken pieces.
Oven Frying the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 390°F and prepare the baking tray. Line it with parchment paper and arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer. Lightly spray the chicken with oil to help it crisp up and achieve that golden brown finish.
- Now, bake the chicken! Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Be sure to check that the chicken is cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F in the thickest part. This way, you'll know it's both safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
- Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Now your delicious, crispy Oven-Fried Chicken is ready to serve. Enjoy it hot with your favorite sides!
Serving
- Serve your Oven-Fried Chicken with a selection of sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or tzatziki. Pair it with roasted vegetables, potatoes, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. For more ideas, take a look at our Serving Suggestions section below.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some essential tips to help you perfect your Oven-Fried Chicken:
- Spice it Up: Don’t hold back on the spices! They’re essential for bringing out rich flavors. Adjust the heat level to your liking by increasing the paprika or adding chili powder or cayenne pepper for some extra spice.
- Buttermilk and Eggs: These are key for marinating the chicken and getting the breading to stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar for a quick and easy substitute.
- Oil Spray: A light spray of oil on the breaded chicken, though optional, helps achieve that beautiful golden, crispy texture. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
- Cooking Temperature and Time: Bake your chicken at 390°F for about 45 to 50 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces, so keep an eye on them as they cook.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Tray: Give the chicken pieces enough space on the tray to prevent steaming. Overcrowding can result in less crispy chicken, so make sure there’s some room between each piece.
- Safety First: To make sure the chicken is safe to eat, check that the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F. According to FDA guidelines, this is the minimum temperature needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to consume. A kitchen thermometer can easily help you avoid undercooking.
- Use a Wire Rack for Baking: Placing the breaded chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet allows the heat to circulate more evenly around the chicken, helping it get crispy on all sides. Plus, it prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness: If you want an extra crispy crust, try double-coating the chicken. After the first coat of breading, dip it back into the egg mixture and dredge again in the breading mixture. This will give you a thicker, crunchier coating.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 642kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 312mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 591mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Oven-Fried Chicken goes perfectly with so many sides, and I’ve got a few personal favorites to help you round out your meal:
- Roasted or Baked Vegetables: I love roasting broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or sweet potatoes. They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a great, wholesome addition.
- Potato Dishes: Whether you prefer creamy mashed potatoes, crispy baked wedges, or savory roasted potatoes, they always pair beautifully with this chicken. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints!
- Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw adds the perfect refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken, giving you a balance of flavors and textures.
- French Fries: You can’t go wrong with fries! Their crispy, golden goodness is a perfect match for the crispy oven-fried chicken. It’s a combo that’s sure to satisfy.
- Corn on the Cob: Simple, sweet, and satisfying, corn on the cob is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s an easy side that brings a feel summer to any meal.
- Salads: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to keep things fresh and healthy. It’s the perfect refreshing side to balance out the savory chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Who can resist creamy, cheesy mac and cheese? It’s the ultimate comfort food, and it goes so well with oven-fried chicken. I promise it’ll be a hit!
- Dips: Don’t forget to add extra flavor with your favorite dips! Honey mustard, mayo, garlic aioli, tzatziki, ranch, chili sauce, BBQ sauce, or garlic parmesan are all great options to try.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: While this chicken is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-30 minutes until they're warmed through and crispy again.
- Freezing: If you want to store them longer, Oven-Fried Chicken freezes well for up to a month. Simply freeze the pieces on a parchment-lined tray for about an hour, then transfer them to freezer bags. When you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
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