Description

This Oven-Fried Chicken recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken by baking the chicken to crispy perfection using a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan coating. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, the chicken remains juicy and tender inside with a deliciously crunchy exterior, making it a satisfying main course perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Coating

1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing

2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a wire rack set over a baking tray to allow air circulation and even crisping of the chicken.
Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and optional hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize and flavor the meat.
Prepare coating mixture: In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful crust.
Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly all over.
Arrange and oil the chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the tops of the chicken to help achieve a crispy and golden finish during baking.
Bake until cooked through: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
Rest and serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute, then serve warm and enjoy your crispy oven-fried chicken.

Notes

For extra crispiness, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes.
This recipe works well with boneless chicken pieces, though reduce the baking time by 10 to 15 minutes accordingly.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornflakes to make this recipe gluten-free.
Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American