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