Irresistibly Crunchy Baked Fried Chicken Recipe

Southern-style crispy baked fried chicken delivers a mouthwatering crunch that rivals traditional deep-frying methods.

This simple technique lets you enjoy golden-brown, perfectly seasoned chicken without excess oil.

Every home cook dreams of achieving that irresistible crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Buttermilk and a blend of spices create a magical marinade that locks in flavor and tenderness.

The secret lies in a well-seasoned coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Baking instead of frying cuts down on calories while maintaining that classic comfort food satisfaction.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this healthier chicken classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ways to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken for Any Meal

• Flavor Boosters: Drizzle zesty ranch or tangy honey mustard sauce over the crispy chicken for an extra kick of deliciousness.
• Sidekick Companions: Pair with creamy coleslaw, golden mac and cheese, or crisp roasted vegetables to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Party Platter: Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces for game day appetizers or casual gatherings, serving with colorful dipping sauces that'll make guests super happy.
• Leftover Remix: Transform remaining chicken into amazing sandwiches, salad toppers, or wrap fillings for quick next-day lunches that taste just as amazing as the original dish.

Store Baked Chicken So It Stays Crisp

• Store this crispy chicken in airtight containers for maximum freshness.
• Tuck leftover pieces into sealed containers, keeping them tasty for 3-4 days in the fridge. Cool completely before storing to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Revive cold chicken by warming in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain that perfect crispy coating. Place on a wire rack or baking sheet to keep the exterior crunchy and delightful.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat incredibly soft and juicy. Its acidic nature helps the seasoning penetrate deeper into the chicken.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute, buttermilk provides better flavor and tenderness. If needed, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s properties.

• How do I ensure the coating stays crispy?

Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken, and use a wire rack during baking. This allows hot air to circulate, preventing soggy bottoms and maintaining a crisp exterior.

• What if I don't have cornflakes for the coating?

Substitute with additional panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. The goal is to create a crunchy texture that adds extra crispiness to the chicken.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Baked Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy richness, choose full-fat for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps break down chicken proteins for better texture.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides the most vibrant flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky undertones and beautiful reddish color to the marinade.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic essence without raw garlic's sharpness.
• Onion Powder: Contributes sweet and savory background notes to the marinade.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates ultra-crispy exterior with light, airy texture, Japanese-style crumbs work best.
• Cornflakes: Adds extra crunch and golden color, crush into fine pieces for even coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty notes and helps coating adhere to chicken.
• Paprika: Provides warm color and mild sweet pepper flavor to the breading.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior without excess oil, ensures even browning.

Tools for Getting Crispy Baked Chicken Results

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade and coating chicken thoroughly.
• Shallow Dish: Essential for creating and holding the crispy breadcrumb coating.
• Wire Rack: Crucial for allowing hot air to circulate and create even crispiness.
• Baking Sheet: Provides stable base for wire rack and catches any drips.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures chicken doesn't stick and adds extra crispiness.
• Meat Thermometer: Guarantees chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Baked Fried Chicken: Cooking Made

• Craft the Flavor Bath

Mix tangy buttermilk with zesty seasonings. Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring every inch gets seasoned. Allow flavors to mingle in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour.

• Set the Oven Stage

Crank up the oven to a sizzling 400F. Prep a baking sheet with a wire rack, giving a light spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Create the Crunchy Armor

Blend panko, cornflakes, Parmesan, and a dash of paprika in a shallow dish. This mixture will transform ordinary chicken into a crispy delight.

• Dress the Chicken

Shake off excess marinade from each chicken piece. Roll and press the chicken into the crunchy mixture, making sure every surface gets a thick, even coating.

• Bake to Perfection

Arrange coated chicken on the prepared rack. Give a quick spray of cooking oil for extra crispiness. Slide into the oven and bake until golden brown and internal temperature hits 165F, approximately 35-45 minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken rest briefly, then plate with your favorite accompaniments for a mouthwatering meal.

Flavor Boosts and Seasoning Suggestions for Baked Chicken

• Use a mix of panko and cornflakes for an extra crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after cooling.
• Marinate chicken overnight to enhance flavor depth and ensure tender, juicy meat throughout the baking process.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for celiac-friendly version.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining crispiness.
• Adjust paprika and add cayenne pepper for those wanting more heat, or use mild spices for a kid-friendly version.

Crispy Junk Yard Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Junk Yard Salad combines unexpected ingredients from kitchen scraps into a delightful culinary creation. Hungry diners will discover a resourceful, budget-friendly meal that minimizes waste while delivering maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pkg (1 oz / 28 g) instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 container (8 oz / 227 g) Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans for added crunch

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Instructions

1. Mixing: In a large bowl, combine cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, creating a vibrant fruity foundation for the dessert.
2. Creaming: Pour sweetened condensed milk into the mixture, then sprinkle dry vanilla pudding mix, whisking thoroughly to eliminate lumps and develop a smooth, rich consistency.
3. Folding: Gently incorporate mini marshmallows and Cool Whip, blending with a delicate touch to maintain the light, airy texture while ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Chilling: Transfer the prepared salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least three hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Serving: Just before presentation, stir the chilled salad lightly to redistribute ingredients, then serve cold, revealing a delectable medley of creamy, fruity, and marshmallow elements.

Notes

• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigeration is crucial for developing rich, melded flavors, so allow at least 3-4 hours of cooling time, preferably overnight.
• Prevent Lumps: Whisk pudding mix gradually and vigorously to ensure smooth incorporation without clumpy textures.
• Control Sweetness: Adjust condensed milk quantity based on personal preference to balance overall sweetness level.
• Optional Variations: Substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream for a fresher, less processed alternative, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch and complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg