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To make the best oven fried chicken, you need some simple yet tasty ingredients. This recipe creates crispy, herb-infused chicken that is sure to impress. The flavors come together to make a delicious meal. - 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds), cut into 8-10 pieces - 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice) - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice) - Cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil If you don’t have buttermilk, milk with lemon juice works great. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. You can also switch herbs. Try rosemary or basil if you prefer. For spice lovers, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk. Your chicken will still taste amazing! Start by marinating the chicken. Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. Make sure each piece is covered. This step helps the chicken stay moist and adds flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight for better taste. The buttermilk tenderizes the meat and makes it juicy. Now, let's prepare the coating. Take a large shallow dish and add 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix in the following spices: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper Whisk everything together well. This mix gives the chicken its crispy and tasty crust. Make sure the spices are evenly spread in the flour. Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, making it crispier. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Let the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mix. Make sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any extra flour. Place the chicken on the wire rack. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. This helps in browning and crisping up the chicken while it bakes. Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes. The chicken should be golden-brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken pieces halfway through to cook evenly. Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making it tasty and moist. You can find the complete recipe above. Enjoy your crunchy and flavorful oven-fried chicken! To get your chicken crispy, start with the right coating. Use a mix of flour and spices. The flour holds moisture and gives crunch. After coating, let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This helps the flour stick. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. This adds extra crunch while baking. Using a wire rack is also key. It lets hot air circulate around the chicken, making it crispier. For a flavor boost, use fresh herbs. Try rosemary or parsley for a fresh taste. You can also add spices to the flour mix. Consider chili powder or cumin for heat. A little lemon zest in the buttermilk adds brightness. If you want a smoky flavor, add more smoked paprika. Experiment with your favorite spices. This way, you can make the dish your own. Bake the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for the best results. This high heat cooks the chicken quickly, keeping it juicy inside. Cooking time is about 35-45 minutes. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking. If you like it extra crispy, leave it in for a few more minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. {{image_4}} To add heat, take your oven-fried chicken to the next level. You can use cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the buttermilk. Mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce. This gives the chicken a nice kick. You can also add more cayenne pepper to the flour mix. Adjust the spice level to your taste. For a fresh twist, try herbs in your buttermilk. Use fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs or 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to the buttermilk. You can also mix herbs into the flour. This adds depth to your chicken's flavor, making it even more delightful. If you need a gluten-free option, it's easy to adapt this recipe. Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends that work well for frying. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour for a different flavor. Just make sure the chicken is well-coated for the best texture. For the full recipe, check back to get all the details to make your oven-fried chicken a hit! To store leftover chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep the chicken in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to eat it later, consider freezing it. To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes. Check if it is hot all the way through before serving. To freeze chicken, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the excess air before sealing. Label the bag with the date. Frozen chicken can last for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To make your oven-fried chicken crispy, start with a good marinating process. Soak your chicken in buttermilk. This adds flavor and moisture. After marinating, coat the chicken in a seasoned flour mix. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet. This helps air flow around the chicken, making it crispy. Finally, a light spray of oil will help with browning. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for the best results. Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw it first. Thawing ensures even cooking and better flavor. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk after it is fully thawed. This step is key for juicy meat. Avoid placing frozen chicken directly in the oven. It will not cook evenly and may end up tough. The best way to check if the chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. The chicken should also look golden-brown. If the juices run clear when you cut into it, then it is cooked. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside. Enjoy your meal! In this post, we covered how to make tasty oven-fried chicken. We shared essential ingredients, handy substitutes, and easy step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for crispy coating and exciting flavor options. We also discussed storage and reheating so you can enjoy leftovers. Choose variations that fit your taste, like spicy or gluten-free. Making this dish is simple and fun. With practice, your chicken will be a hit!

The Best Oven Fried Chicken

Savor the deliciousness of crispy herb-infused oven-fried chicken with this easy recipe! Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this dish is a healthier take on classic fried chicken. Marinate, coat, and bake for a meal that's juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Ready to impress at dinner? Click through to explore the full recipe and presentation tips that will make your chicken the star of the table!
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Ingredients
  

1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds), cut into 8-10 pieces

1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, allowed to sit for 5 minutes)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)

Cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, immerse the chicken pieces in buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or even overnight for enhanced flavor and tenderness.

    Prepare the Coating: In a spacious shallow dish, combine the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Use a whisk or fork to mix thoroughly, ensuring all the spices are evenly distributed within the flour.

      Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet, allowing for air circulation around the chicken for optimal crispiness.

        Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Gently shake off any surplus flour before placing the coated pieces on the wire rack.

          Drizzle with Oil: Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tops to enhance browning and crispiness during baking.

            Bake the Chicken: Transfer the baking sheet with the wire rack and chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are golden-brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For even cooking and crispiness, flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time.

              Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 2 hours 45 mins | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Present the crispy oven-fried chicken on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with vibrant fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an inviting look. Pair the dish with an assortment of your favorite dipping sauces to elevate the experience!