What To Know
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add a tablespoon of lemon zest and a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the seasoned flour mixture for a citrusy and peppery flavor.
- Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, a potluck gathering, or a game-day party, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Craving some crispy, golden-brown fried chicken without the hassle of deep-frying? Look no further! This blog post offers a delightful oven-fried chicken recipe that delivers all the flavor and crunch of traditional fried chicken, minus the mess and extra calories. Get ready to indulge in a healthier and equally delicious fried chicken experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Arrange the Chicken:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
4. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
- Drizzle the chicken pieces with olive oil. This helps create a crispy crust.
5. Optional Parmesan Coating:
- (Optional) If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken pieces for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
6. Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the oven-fried chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a refreshing salad.
Tips for Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken:
- Use a combination of flour and cornstarch for a crispier coating.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give the chicken pieces enough space to cook evenly.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil before baking to help create a crispy crust.
- Bake the chicken at a high temperature to ensure a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Variations:
- Spicy Oven-Fried Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoned flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Herb Oven-Fried Chicken: Mix in a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme to the seasoned flour mixture for a flavorful twist.
- Lemon Pepper Oven-Fried Chicken: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest and a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the seasoned flour mixture for a citrusy and peppery flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the oven-fried chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a refreshing salad for a classic fried chicken meal.
- Enjoy the chicken as a sandwich with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
- Pair the chicken with pasta and a creamy sauce for a comforting and delicious dinner.
- Serve the chicken as an appetizer with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
“The Healthier Choice”:
Compared to traditional deep-fried chicken, this oven-fried chicken recipe is a healthier alternative. Baking the chicken instead of frying reduces the amount of fat and calories consumed. Additionally, using olive oil instead of butter or shortening further contributes to a healthier cooking method.
“Oven-Fried Chicken: A Versatile Dish”:
The versatility of oven-fried chicken makes it a perfect dish for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, a potluck gathering, or a game-day party, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
“The Art of Crispy Chicken”:
Achieving crispy oven-fried chicken is all about the right combination of ingredients and cooking techniques. The seasoned flour mixture provides a flavorful and crispy coating, while the olive oil helps create a golden-brown crust. Baking the chicken at a high temperature ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, adjust the baking time accordingly, as they cook faster than bone-in chicken pieces.
Q: What other spices can I add to the seasoned flour mixture?
A: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some popular choices include cumin, chili powder, dried basil, or smoked paprika.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
A: Yes, you can use other cooking oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil.
