Oven Fried Chicken: A crispy, healthier take on the classic! Made with succulent thighs and drumsticks, seasoned to perfection, and coated in a golden breading. Enjoy this oven-baked delight guilt-free, with your favorite sides, for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Dive into this delicious twist on a beloved favorite!
Begin by creating your seasoning mix. In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Stir these ingredients until they're well mixed.
Next, prepare your chicken. In a large bowl, add chicken thighs and drumsticks. Sprinkle the seasoning mix you've just prepared over the chicken. Pour buttermilk and two beaten eggs over the seasoned chicken. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
Allow the chicken to marinate. Cover the bowl and let the chicken rest. A minimum of 15 to 30 minutes is ideal, but if you have more time, you can extend the marination up to 1 hour for deeper flavor infusion.
While the chicken marinates, prepare your breading mixture. In a shallow tray, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, additional paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper powder, and a bit of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well.
Now, coat the chicken. One piece at a time, dredge the marinated chicken in the breading mixture. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated, then gently shake off any excess flour. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.
Preheat your oven and prepare the baking tray. Line the tray with parchment paper and arrange the breaded chicken pieces on it. Lightly spray the chicken with oil, which will help achieve a crispy, golden brown finish.
It's time to bake! Place the tray in a preheated oven set at 390°F. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Your Oven Fried Chicken is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
To Serve
Pair Oven-Fried Chicken with a variety of sauces and sides. Choose from ketchup, honey mustard, or tzatziki sauce, and complement with roasted vegetables, potatoes, mac n cheese, or a simple salad for a versatile, satisfying meal.
Notes
Here are some essential tips to perfect your Oven-Fried Chicken:
Spice it Up: Don't hold back on the spice powders. They are crucial for flavor enhancement. Feel free to adjust the heat level by altering the amount of paprika or adding chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Buttermilk and Eggs: These ingredients are vital for marinating the chicken and ensuring an even coating of breading. If buttermilk is unavailable, a mixture of milk and a teaspoon of vinegar is an excellent alternative.
Oil Spray: While optional, a light spray of oil on the breaded chicken aids in achieving that desirable golden, crispy exterior.
Cooking Temperature and Time: Aim for an oven temperature of 390°F, cooking the chicken for about 45 to 50 minutes. However, this may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces.
Safety First: Always ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F as advised by the FDA. A kitchen thermometer can be a handy tool for this.