If you’re craving that perfect crunchy bite without the mess of deep frying, this Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers all the satisfying crispness and golden goodness of classic fried chicken but comes out of the oven tender and juicy every single time. The blend of paprika, garlic, and onion powder brings a warm, comforting spice note, while the double coating technique creates that irresistible crust that makes you want to keep grabbing another piece. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to dish for weeknights and gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are the stars that make this Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe sing. Each one has a role – from building the crunchy breading to infusing flavor and keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a sticky binder for the breading to cling to the chicken perfectly.
- 1/3 cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Adds subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken while enhancing moisture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The classic base for the crispy coating.
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian seasoned): Adds extra crunch and texture to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps lift the breading for a lighter, crispier crust.
- 1.5 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika: Provides vibrant color and a mild smoky sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth that everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sharpness to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper: Gives a hint of heat without overpowering.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips: Perfectly sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- 1/4 cup butter (or more as needed): The secret to that golden, rich finish and adds delicious flavor.
How to Make Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 410°F. Place a dark-colored or cast iron pan inside so it heats up along with the oven. Having that hot pan ready will give your chicken an instant sizzle and help develop the luscious crust we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Whisk Your Wet and Dry Mixes
In one bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. This creamy dip is what makes the chicken juicy and ensures the breading sticks well. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. This flavorful mixture is the magic dust that brings that signature crispiness and taste to life.
Step 3: Double Dip Your Chicken
First, toss your chicken strips in the dry flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then coat them in the egg and buttermilk mix. Finally, dip them into the dry mixture again, pressing the breading firmly onto the chicken so it clings tightly. This double breading step is what creates that uber-crisp exterior you’re dreaming of.
Step 4: Butter Up Your Hot Pan and Arrange the Chicken
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and melt the butter over medium heat. Lay the coated chicken pieces in the pan, making sure there’s enough space between them for proper air flow and even cooking. I find baking in two batches works best to keep that crust perfectly crisp.
Step 5: Bake and Broil to Golden Perfection
Bake the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes, then flip each piece carefully and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, adjusting time depending on thickness. If the pan looks dry, add a touch more butter to keep that rich flavor flowing. To finish, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches peak crispiness.
Step 6: Rest and Serve!
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking so all those juices settle in, locking in moisture. Then serve immediately for that irresistible crunch and juicy tenderness combo.
How to Serve Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper add a pop of color and freshness to this already flavorful dish. A squeeze of lemon right before serving can elevate the taste with a bright, zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, cool coleslaw, or a simple garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider oven-roasted veggies or buttery corn on the cob to round it all out.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, try serving the chicken in soft buns with pickles and a slather of homemade mayo for a mouthwatering chicken sandwich. Or set up a dipping station with honey mustard, spicy aioli, and BBQ sauce to let everyone customize their own. Presentation is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and maintains a great balance between moisture and crispiness when properly sealed.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months by wrapping pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
To bring back that iconic crisp, reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to turn the breading soggy and the chicken less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless breast strips cook evenly in the oven, you can also use thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through and juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Make sure to check your seasoning powders don’t contain any gluten as well.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I use something else?
Regular milk works just fine, or you can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/3 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. The chicken should also feel firm to the touch and the juices run clear.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry seasoning mix for a nice kick. You can adjust the heat level to suit your taste perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe is a game-changer that proves you don’t need a deep fryer to get that satisfying crunch paired with juicy chicken. It’s simple, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I really hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every delicious, crispy bite as much as I do!
Print
Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Oven Fried Chicken recipe delivers the classic crunch and flavor of fried chicken using the oven, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. Tender chicken breast strips are double-coated in a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture, oven-fried in butter for a golden, crispy finish that’s perfect for a family meal or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup buttermilk (or regular milk as an alternative)
- 1/4 cup butter (or more as needed)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian seasoned)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Main Protein
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into strips, about 2–3 per breast)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 410°F. Place a dark-colored or cast iron pan (or at least a silver metal pan) inside the oven to heat while you prepare the chicken. This ensures the pan is hot enough to create a crispy crust.
- Prepare breading: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until fully blended. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Bread the chicken: Toss the chicken strips in the flour mixture first, coating them evenly and shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the egg and buttermilk mixture, making sure each piece is well coated. Then dip again into the flour mixture, pressing the breading firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well, creating a double coating for extra crispiness.
- Place chicken on pan: Remove the heated pan from the oven and immediately melt the butter in it. Carefully arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the buttered hot pan, spacing them evenly to avoid overcrowding. If needed, bake in two batches to maintain space between pieces for the best crisp.
- Oven fry: Bake the chicken for 10-12 minutes. Then carefully flip each piece and bake for another 5-10 minutes, depending on thickness, to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Add additional butter to the pan if it starts to dry out. For the final step, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes until the coating turns a golden brown and extra crispy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk if preferred, although buttermilk tenderizes the chicken better.
- Using a cast iron or dark-colored pan helps achieve a crispier crust due to better heat retention.
- To ensure even cooking, avoid crowding the pan and bake the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Adding butter as needed during baking keeps the chicken moist and enhances browning.
- Pressing the breading well onto the chicken strips is important to prevent it from falling off during baking.
