Crispy Oven-Baked “Fried” Chicken Recipe for Sunday Dinner

Crispy, golden baked fried chicken promises a delightful twist on a classic comfort meal.

Juicy meat beneath a perfectly seasoned coating makes this recipe irresistible.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting with this simple yet mouthwatering approach.

Home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or extensive prep work.

Crunchy exterior and tender interior blend seamlessly in each delectable bite.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps ensure success for even novice kitchen enthusiasts.

Why Baked Fried Chicken Is Crispy and Juicy Every Time

• Boost Flavor Easily: Transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish with a simple buttermilk marinade and perfectly seasoned coating that locks in moisture and creates a crispy exterior.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Skip the messy deep-frying and opt for a hands-off baking method that delivers restaurant-quality crispy chicken without the extra oil and complicated technique.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Prepare a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to kids and adults alike, with customizable seasonings and a foolproof cooking method that guarantees delicious results every single time.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Use just one pan and basic kitchen tools to create a spectacular chicken dish, reducing kitchen mess and making post-meal cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Crispy Baked Fried Chicken

• Chicken Strips: Tender pieces of chicken that form the main protein of the dish and provide a delicious base for the crispy coating.

• Buttermilk: A tangy dairy product that helps tenderize the chicken and creates a flavorful, moist coating for the meat.

• Flour, Salt, Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: A blend of dry ingredients that creates a crispy, flavorful exterior for the chicken, adding depth and texture to the final dish.
• Butter: Provides a rich, golden base in the baking pan and helps create a crispy bottom on the chicken pieces.

How to Bake Fried Chicken to Perfection

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Grab your chicken strips and give them a luxurious buttermilk bath. Submerge the chicken completely in buttermilk and let it chill in the refrigerator for a delightful 20-30 minute flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare Oven

Fire up your oven and set the temperature to a perfect 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Seasoned salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Shake or mix these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Pan

Slide your 9×13-inch baking pan into the preheated oven. Watch the butter melt and swirl around, creating a golden, non-stick surface that will make your chicken crisp and delicious.

Step 5: Coat Chicken

Carefully remove each chicken strip from its buttermilk bath, letting excess liquid drip off. Roll each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the buttery pan. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Flip each piece to ensure even browning, then continue baking for another 20 minutes. Your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F and sports a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Tips That Make Baked Fried Chicken So Crispy

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk to tenderize and add tangy flavor, ensuring juicier meat that stays moist during baking.
• Use seasoned salt and paprika for extra depth, creating a more complex and flavorful coating that elevates the traditional fried chicken taste.
• Place melted butter in the pan before adding chicken to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior without deep-frying, reducing overall oil content.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked, preventing any risk of foodborne illness while maintaining optimal texture.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour, keeping the same seasoning ratios for a healthier alternative.

Variations to Spice Up Baked Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Chicken: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Crispy Chicken: Swap flour with crushed pork rinds or grated parmesan cheese for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and olive oil in place of butter for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the flour mixture for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

What Pairs Well with Baked Fried Chicken

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the chicken's richness and complement its buttery texture.
• Serve Tangy Coleslaw Side: Create a zesty cabbage slaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to balance the crispy chicken's heavy profile and add refreshing crunch.
• Match Bright Citrus Cocktail: Mix a fresh lemonade or light gin-based cocktail with lemon and herbs to enhance the chicken's savory seasonings and provide a palate-cleansing effect.
• Add Creamy Dipping Sauce: Whip together a quick ranch or honey mustard sauce with fresh herbs to provide a cool, creamy contrast to the hot and crispy chicken strips.

How to Store Baked Fried Chicken Properly

Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.

Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.

Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent further browning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for soaking chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, making it more juicy and soft by breaking down proteins and adding a subtle tangy flavor to the chicken.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute, buttermilk provides better texture and flavor. If needed, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk to mimic buttermilk’s properties.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C). The chicken should also look golden brown and have no pink inside when cut.

Baked Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy southern Mama’s Fried Chicken delivers golden-brown perfection with a secret herb blend that elevates home-cooked comfort. Crunchy exterior and juicy meat promise pure satisfaction for hearty family meals and weekend gatherings you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (like Lawry’s)
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika

Fat and Liquid:

• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
• Buttermilk (enough to soak chicken)

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken strips in buttermilk and refrigerate for 25 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Heat oven to 400F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter, ensuring complete pan coverage.
3. Create a seasoned coating by blending flour with salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bag.
4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
5. Carefully transfer coated chicken to the butter-lined baking dish, arranging pieces without overcrowding.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, then gently turn each piece to promote even browning and crispiness.
7. Continue baking an additional 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature hits 170F, indicating complete cooking.
8. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain moisture before serving.

Notes

• Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, creating a juicy and flavorful base with enhanced texture and taste.
• Using a Ziploc bag for coating ensures even, crispy flour coverage without messy hand-mixing.
• Melting butter directly in the baking pan adds rich flavor and helps create a golden, crispy bottom crust.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 314 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 555 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg