Crispy Baked “Fried” Chicken Recipe: Golden Perfection Awaits!

Golden, crispy baked fried chicken that shatters expectations with every incredible bite.

A method that captures the deep-fryer magic without swimming in oil.

Southern kitchens have long guarded secrets about achieving maximum crunch through innovative techniques.

We’re breaking those rules today with a game-changing approach that guarantees irresistible texture.

Juicy meat meets crackling exterior in a dance of culinary perfection.

Forget greasy countertops and splattered stovetops – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your oven.

You’ll want to bookmark this method for every future gathering where serious flavor is the goal.

Why Baked Fried Chicken Feels Like Comfort Food

• Unlock Irresistible Crispiness: This baked version delivers the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without excessive oil, creating a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on texture and flavor.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: The buttermilk marinade tenderizes chicken while infusing deep, tangy notes, while the breadcrumb and cornflake coating adds multiple layers of seasoned crunchiness that'll make taste buds dance.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: With minimal prep and hands-off baking time, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weeknight meals, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and can be paired with numerous side dishes, making it a reliable go-to meal for various occasions.

What Goes In Baked Fried Chicken

• Chicken: Provides the main protein base for the dish, tender and flavorful when marinated and baked.

• Buttermilk, Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Tenderizes the chicken and adds deep, complex flavor layers. Full-fat buttermilk works best for maximum moisture.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Cornflakes: Creates a super crispy exterior with multiple texture dimensions. Japanese-style panko provides extra crunchiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and helps coating adhere to chicken. Freshly grated cheese recommended for best results.
• Paprika: Enhances color and provides mild pepper warmth to the coating.

• Cooking Spray: Helps create golden, crisp exterior and prevents sticking on baking rack. Use neutral-flavored spray for best results.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents potential burning or sticking.

Easy Instructions For Baked Fried Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Buttermilk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring every inch gets coated. Refrigerate for minimum one hour or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Station

Crank up the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and wire rack. Spritz the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent chicken from clinging during baking.

Step 3: Craft Crunchy Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Crushed cornflakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Paprika

Blend ingredients until perfectly mixed for ultimate crunchiness.

Step 4: Dress Chicken in Crispy Armor

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Roll each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to create a solid, even layer of coating.

Step 5: Transform in Oven

Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack. Give a light spray of cooking oil across the tops. Slide into the preheated oven. Bake until chicken reaches golden perfection and internal temperature hits 165°F, approximately 35-45 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow chicken to rest briefly. Plate with your favorite accompaniments and savor the crispy, juicy goodness.

Smart Cooking Tips For Baked Fried Chicken

• Maximize Marination: Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture overnight for deeper flavor and more tender meat.
• Boost Crispiness: Mix panko and cornflakes for an extra crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after cooling.
• Prevent Sticking: Use a wire rack sprayed with cooking oil to ensure chicken gets crispy on all sides without soggy bottoms.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked chicken every time.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice cereal or almond flour for sensitive diets.

How To Keep Baked Fried Chicken Crispy

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken on a wire rack or baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispy coating.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Crispy Restoration: For extra crunch when reheating, spritz lightly with cooking spray before warming in the oven. This helps revive the golden, crispy exterior.

Spice Things Up With Baked Fried Chicken Variations

• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a fiery kick. Use crushed spicy crackers instead of cornflakes for extra heat and crunch.
• Herb Garden Crunch: Mix fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the breadcrumb coating. Replace Parmesan with grated pecorino cheese for a sharper flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap buttermilk for Greek yogurt and add dried oregano and lemon zest to the marinade. Include crushed pistachios and za'atar spice blend in the coating for a Middle Eastern-inspired version.
• Coconut Tropical Fusion: Incorporate shredded coconut into the breadcrumb mixture. Add a touch of ginger and lime zest to the marinade for a bright, tropical taste sensation.

FAQs For Baked Fried Chicken Fans

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat more juicy and flavorful. Its acidity also helps the coating stick better, creating a crispier exterior.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute, buttermilk provides a tangier taste and better texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a similar effect.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking or overcooking.

• What makes the coating extra crispy?

The combination of panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes creates a super crunchy texture. Lightly spraying with cooking spray before baking helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior without deep-frying.

Best Sides For Baked Fried Chicken

• Enhance Crispiness with Crunchy Sides: Serve this baked fried chicken alongside crispy coleslaw or golden french fries to complement the dish's satisfying crunch and elevate the textural experience.
• Pair with Zesty Dipping Sauces: Create a flavor explosion by offering tangy honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or cool ranch dressing to add an extra layer of excitement to each bite.
• Refresh with Light Beverage Companions: Balance the richness of the chicken with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light beer such as pilsner, or a refreshing iced tea that cuts through the dish's savory profile.
• Complete the Meal with Fresh Greens: Add a vibrant mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic contrast to the hearty chicken and create a well-rounded dining experience.

Baked Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden Baked Fried Chicken promises Southern comfort without heavy grease, delivering irresistible flavor through a clever oven-baked technique. Crunchy seasoned coating and juicy meat make this healthier version a winner for home cooks craving classic chicken satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) bone-in, skinless chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) crushed cornflakes
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken with a zesty buttermilk blend by combining buttermilk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a spacious mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or ideally overnight to enhance flavor penetration.
2. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 400F (200C). Arrange a parchment-lined baking sheet with a wire rack, lightly misting with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
3. Craft a crunchy exterior coating by blending panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, Parmesan, and paprika in a shallow dish, creating a textured and flavorful crust.
4. Extract the marinated chicken, allowing excess buttermilk to cascade off. Methodically dredge each piece in the prepared breadcrumb mixture, applying firm pressure to ensure a comprehensive and even coating.
5. Position the fully coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, delicately misting the tops with cooking spray to promote golden browning. Bake for 35-45 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 165F and the exterior achieves a crisp, golden-brown perfection.
6. Allow the chicken to rest briefly, enabling juices to redistribute. Plate alongside complementary side dishes for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the buttermilk marinade for extra depth and aroma.
• Choose bone-in chicken pieces for juicier results and more intense flavor compared to boneless cuts.
• Ensure even coating by pressing breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken, creating a crispy, consistent texture that locks in moisture.
• Keep chicken extra crispy by using a wire rack during baking, allowing hot air to circulate and preventing soggy bottoms.
• For gluten-free option, swap panko and cornflakes with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain crunch.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium buttermilk and salt-free seasoning blends without compromising taste.
• Elevate protein intake by selecting chicken breasts or thighs with higher meat-to-bone ratios for more substantial servings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 356 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg