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Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken

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A perfectly crunchy and juicy oven-fried chicken recipe that mimics deep-fried chicken without the mess or grease, using a seasoned breadcrumb and cornmeal coating baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
  • 1½ cups buttermilk (or 1½ cups milk mixed with 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese panko)
  • ¼ cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Cooking oil spray (vegetable or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the wire rack on the baking sheet and lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, pour 1½ cups of buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Submerge the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
  3. In another bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to distribute spices evenly.
  4. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the dry mix, pressing gently so the coating adheres well. Place coated pieces on the prepared wire rack.
  5. Generously spray the coated chicken with oil spray on all sides.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Flip chicken halfway through and spray again lightly with oil. The chicken is done when the crust is golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after baking before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack to keep chicken elevated for even crispiness. Spray oil generously to mimic frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy spots. Rest chicken after baking to lock in juices. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning. Can be adapted for air fryer at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven fried chicken, crispy chicken, baked chicken, crunchy chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/crispy-oven-fried-chicken-recipe-easy-perfectly-crunchy-juicy/