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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Craft a crunchy exterior coating by blending panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, Parmesan, and paprika in a shallow dish, creating a textured and flavorful crust.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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