The Juiciest Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe Ever Made

My mom’s secret crispy oven fried chicken recipe has everyone begging for seconds at every family gathering.

She stumbled upon this technique during a lazy Sunday afternoon experiment.

Crunchy, golden-brown perfection emerges from simple ingredients and a clever baking method.

Kitchen magic happens when you understand the right coating technique.

Seasoned breadcrumbs create an irresistible exterior that locks in juicy meat.

Salt, pepper, and paprika dance together to deliver maximum flavor without deep-frying complications.

Jump into this foolproof approach and watch your chicken become the star of any meal.

What’s Breaded in Oven Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Tangy dairy product that tenderizes chicken and adds rich flavor, look for full-fat version for best results.
• Butter: Creates a golden base on baking sheet and adds rich flavor, preferably unsalted for better seasoning control.

• Flour, Panko, Cornmeal: Crispy coating combination that provides multiple texture layers, choose fine ground ingredients for even coating.

• Chicken: Main protein source, select bone-in or boneless pieces with similar size for consistent cooking.

• Spice Mix: Homemade blend that enhances overall chicken flavor, can be customized based on personal preference.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve extra crispiness in air fryer method, choose neutral oil variant.

• Paper Towels: For drying chicken before breading, ensures better coating adherence.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and assists with easy cleanup during oven baking.

Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Directions

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a large freezer bag and whisk together buttermilk and spice mix.

Drop in chicken pieces and ensure they’re completely coated.

Seal the bag and refrigerate, letting the magic happen for 6-24 hours to develop deep, incredible flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Coating Station

• All-purpose flour
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Cornmeal
• Remaining spice mix

Stir these together until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Set Up Baking Environment

Preheat your oven to a scorching 400°F.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Melt butter directly on the sheet, creating a golden base for your chicken.

Step 4: Coat Chicken for Maximum Crunch

Remove chicken from marinade and pat completely dry with paper towels.

Transfer chicken pieces into a freezer bag filled with breading mixture.

Shake vigorously to ensure every inch is covered.

Press breadcrumbs firmly into chicken for an extra-crispy exterior.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange breaded chicken on the buttered baking sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and continue baking for another 5 minutes.

Check that internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 6: Optional Broil Boost

For those who love extra crispiness, broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Alternative Air Fryer Method

Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

Place chicken in a single layer in the basket.

Lightly spray with cooking spray.

Cook 5 minutes per side until achieving that perfect golden crunch.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes to reach a final temperature of 165°F.

Plate with your favorite dipping sauces and prepare for a seriously delicious meal!

Oven-Fried Chicken Crisping Tricks

• Soak chicken in buttermilk for 6-24 hours to ensure tender, juicy meat that absorbs deep, rich seasonings.
• Gently press breadcrumbs into chicken surfaces to create an extra crispy, golden-brown coating that locks in moisture.
• Mix spices right before coating to maintain maximum flavor intensity and prevent staleness of dry ingredients.
• Watch chicken carefully during baking to prevent burning, using an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Swap panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or add different herbs and spices to create unique flavor variations that suit dietary preferences.

Fried Chicken That Stays Crispy After Warming

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain crispy texture.
• Preheat to 350°F, place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring crispiness returns.
• Cook at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway to restore original crunch and prevent drying out.

Savory Matches For Fried Chicken

• Pair Zesty Southern Coleslaw: Tangy, creamy slaw cuts through the chicken's richness and adds refreshing crunch.
• Serve Chilled Honey Lemonade: Sweet-tart beverage complements the spicy breading and cleanses the palate with bright citrus notes.
• Match Crisp Dill Pickle Spears: Briny pickles provide sharp contrast to the rich, golden-brown chicken, enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Recommend Creamy Ranch Dipping Sauce: Cool, herbal sauce balances the chicken's warm spices and provides a smooth, cooling element.

Oven-Fried Chicken Seasonings

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap flour and panko with crushed pork rinds and replace cornmeal with ground almonds to reduce carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the spice mix for a hot and bold flavor profile that kicks up the heat.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the breading for a fresh, aromatic Mediterranean-inspired coating.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat softer and more flavorful. Its acidic nature also helps the seasoning penetrate deeper into the chicken.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the breading mix?

Yes, you can replace panko with regular breadcrumbs or use cornstarch instead of cornmeal. Just maintain similar proportions to ensure a crispy coating. The key is keeping the dry-to-wet ingredient ratio consistent.

• How do I ensure my chicken stays crispy?

Use a combination of techniques: pat chicken dry before breading, press breadcrumbs firmly onto the meat, and bake or air fry at high temperatures. The high heat helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

• What's the best way to check if chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the temperature to stabilize and juices to redistribute.

Oven Fried Chicken That Keeps Things Crispy

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transforms ordinary chicken into restaurant-style crispy goodness.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Marinate overnight for deep seasoning without complex techniques.
• Flexible Cooking Options: Choose between oven-baking or air frying based on kitchen equipment and preference.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kid-approved recipe that delivers crunchy, delicious chicken everyone will love.

Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy oven fried chicken delivers southern comfort without deep-frying guilt, promising restaurant-quality crunch from home kitchen magic. Golden panko-coated pieces emerge perfectly seasoned, inviting you to savor each deliciously satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 10–12 chicken tenderloins

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons (tbsp) unsalted butter

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fine cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) salt
• 2 teaspoons (tsp) chili powder
• 2 teaspoons (tsp) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) onion powder

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Instructions

1. Combine buttermilk, chicken, and a portion of the Spice Mix in a large sealed container for deep flavor infusion.
2. Refrigerate the marinating mixture for a minimum of 6 hours, ideally overnight, to enhance seasoning penetration.
3. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F and positioning a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Melt butter directly on the prepared baking sheet to create a golden base for the chicken.
5. Create a crispy coating by blending flour, panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and remaining Spice Mix in a spacious mixing vessel.
6. Transfer the breading mixture into a large sealable bag for even distribution.
7. Remove chicken from marinade and carefully pat dry using clean paper towels to ensure optimal breading adherence.
8. Add chicken pieces into the breading bag, gently agitating to completely coat each piece.
9. Firmly press breadcrumbs onto the chicken surface to create a robust, crunchy exterior.
10. Carefully arrange breaded chicken on the butter-coated baking sheet, ensuring minimal overlap.
11. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, flipping midway to guarantee even browning and thorough cooking.
12. Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F using a reliable meat thermometer.
13. Optional: Activate broiler for an extra crisp and golden-brown finish.
14. For air fryer method, preheat to 400°F and arrange chicken in a single layer.
15. Lightly mist chicken with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
16. Air fry for 5-7 minutes per side until exterior is deeply golden and internal temperature hits 160°F.
17. Allow chicken to rest for several minutes, reaching a final safe temperature of 165°F.
18. Present with complementary dipping sauces for an elevated dining experience.

Notes

• Enhance the buttermilk marinade by adding a splash of hot sauce or pickle juice for extra tanginess and tenderness.
• Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Gently press breadcrumbs with fingertips to create a thick, crispy coating that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the same crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg