This baked fried chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic fried chicken, delivering a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the need for deep frying. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
With a simple breading technique and a few spices, you can achieve that satisfying crunch while keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.
Creating the Perfect Baked Fried Chicken
When it comes to comfort food, baked fried chicken holds a special place.
This dish combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with a healthier baking method, making it a fantastic option for family dinners.
The golden-brown exterior, achieved through a simple breading technique, provides that satisfying crunch while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
Ingredients for Success
To create this delicious meal, you’ll need a few key ingredients.
The chicken pieces, typically thighs and drumsticks, are marinated in buttermilk, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
A blend of seasoned breadcrumbs and spices, including garlic powder and paprika, gives the chicken its signature crunch and taste.
Complementing the chicken, sides like coleslaw and mashed potatoes add a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
These sides not only enhance the meal but also provide a colorful presentation on your plate.
The Marinating Process
Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
For those who plan ahead, marinating overnight can yield even better results.
Breading and Baking Techniques
Once marinated, the chicken is ready for breading.
A mixture of flour, breadcrumbs, and spices is prepared in a shallow dish, making it easy to coat each piece evenly.
The key is to press the mixture onto the chicken to ensure a thick, crunchy coating.
After coating, the chicken is placed on a baking sheet and lightly sprayed with cooking oil.
Baking at a high temperature ensures that the coating becomes crispy while the chicken cooks through, creating that perfect golden-brown finish.
Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve.
Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving helps retain its juices.
Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Pairing the chicken with coleslaw and mashed potatoes not only completes the meal but also creates a comforting and inviting presentation.
The rustic wooden table setting enhances the home-cooked feel, making it perfect for gatherings or family meals.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
This baked fried chicken recipe serves four and is a balanced option for those looking to enjoy a classic dish without the guilt of deep frying.
With approximately 320 calories per serving, it offers a good source of protein while keeping fat content in check.
Enjoying this meal with loved ones will surely create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Easy Baked Fried Chicken Recipe
This recipe features chicken pieces coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown. It takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Lightly spray or drizzle the coated chicken with cooking spray or olive oil. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 pieces
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g