Description
This Oven Fried Chicken recipe delivers the crispy, flavorful satisfaction of fried chicken without the mess and extra oil. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated with a seasoned flour mixture, the chicken breasts bake to a perfect golden brown in the oven, making it a healthier and easy alternative to traditional frying. Ready in just over an hour, this dish is ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Breading: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and baking powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Coat Chicken: Remove each chicken breast from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres properly.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken to help create a golden, crispy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can flip the chicken halfway through baking and brush more melted butter on top.
- If you prefer your chicken with skin on, you can adapt this recipe by using skin-on breasts, but adjust baking time as needed.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices for a juicier bite.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- This recipe is great served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
