Hello, food lovers! ???? If you’re craving a healthier take on a classic favorite, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that brings together the delicious crunch of fried chicken with the convenience of oven baking—perfect for a guilt-free indulgence. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started with this Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Delight that’s sure to impress everyone at the dinner table!
Introduction
Fried chicken is an all-time favorite, but we all know the heavy oil frying can sometimes leave us feeling a bit sluggish. That’s where this crispy oven-fried chicken recipe comes to the rescue! By baking the chicken in the oven, we cut down on calories and fat, while still enjoying that delicious crunch we crave.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of family gatherings where comfort food always took center stage. The smoky paprika adds a touch of spice, while the buttermilk keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself, this healthier alternative will not disappoint!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Delight, you’ll need:
Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken mix of boneless and bone-in pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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How to Make Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Delight
Follow these steps to create your own delicious oven-fried chicken:
Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and generously spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to marinate the chicken. This will ensure the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
Prepare the Breading:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This blend creates that crispy coating that we all love.
Bread the Chicken:
- Using tongs, lift the marinated chicken pieces, allowing the excess buttermilk to drip off. Quickly coat the chicken in the breading mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly covered.
Bake the Chicken:
- Place the breaded chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Spray each piece generously with more cooking spray to ensure a crispy coating. Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Check for Doneness:
- Once the chicken is golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the oven. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Helpful Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your oven-fried chicken turns out perfectly:
- Use cornstarch for extra crispiness: Cornstarch helps create a lighter, crunchier texture compared to flour alone.
- Don’t skip the flipping: Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures it browns evenly on both sides.
- Generous cooking spray: Don’t be shy when applying cooking spray; this helps mimic the texture of fried chicken without the oil.
Cooking Tips
- Season your flour well: The seasoning in the breading is crucial for flavor. You can adjust the spices to your taste, adding more paprika or even cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Baking rack option: If you have a baking rack, placing the chicken on it will allow the air to circulate all around the pieces, making them even crispier.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your crispy oven-fried chicken with these side dishes for a complete meal:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette
- Buttered corn on the cob
- A refreshing cucumber salad
For beverages, an iced tea or lemonade complements the dish beautifully. And don’t forget the hot sauce for a little extra zing!
Nutritional Information
This Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Delight is not only delicious but also a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 2mg
This chicken is high in protein and contains essential nutrients like iron and potassium. Thanks to the oven-baking method, it’s lower in fat than traditional fried chicken, making it a balanced choice for those watching their caloric intake.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
If you’re feeling creative, shred the leftover chicken and add it to salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a delicious twist on your leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of a mix of boneless and bone-in pieces?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe, and they stay especially juicy during the baking process.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this oven-fried chicken.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Delight, check out these other delicious recipes:
These dishes pair well with your chicken and offer a variety of flavors for any meal!
Conclusion
I hope this Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Delight finds its way into your weekly meal rotation! It’s a healthier take on a comfort food classic, without sacrificing any of that amazing crunch. Don’t forget to share your results, and let me know how you customized the recipe to fit your tastes. Happy cooking!
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Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Delight
Description
Hello, food lovers! ???? If you’re craving a healthier take on a classic favorite, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that brings together the delicious crunch of fried chicken with the convenience of oven baking—perfect for a guilt-free indulgence. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started with this Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Delight that’s sure to impress everyone at the dinner table!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken mix of boneless and bone-in pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and generously spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to marinate the chicken. This will ensure the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
Prepare the Breading:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This blend creates that crispy coating that we all love.
Bread the Chicken:
- Using tongs, lift the marinated chicken pieces, allowing the excess buttermilk to drip off. Quickly coat the chicken in the breading mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly covered.
Bake the Chicken:
- Place the breaded chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Spray each piece generously with more cooking spray to ensure a crispy coating. Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Check for Doneness:
- Once the chicken is golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the oven. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use cornstarch for extra crispiness: Cornstarch helps create a lighter, crunchier texture compared to flour alone.
- Don’t skip the flipping: Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures it browns evenly on both sides.
- Generous cooking spray: Don’t be shy when applying cooking spray; this helps mimic the texture of fried chicken without the oil.
