Description
The Best Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe is a healthier way to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken. With a golden, crunchy coating and no deep fryer needed, this dish is easy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. Serve it with your favorite sides for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s lighter but just as delicious as traditional fried chicken!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks or thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Coating: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick spray. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss with olive oil or melted butter to coat evenly.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Place on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Marinade Tip: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Wire Rack: Use a wire rack to ensure even air circulation, which helps the chicken crisp up evenly.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the coating crispy.
- Freezer Tip: Freeze baked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C).
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe, Crispy Baked Chicken, Healthy Fried Chicken, Baked Chicken Drumsticks, Best Oven-Fried Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner