How to Make Fried Chicken in the Oven A Healthier and Delicious AlternativeFried chicken is a beloved dish around the world, known for its crispy, golden exterior and juicy, tender interior. While traditional fried chicken is deep-fried in oil, it can be a bit greasy and heavy. If you’re looking for a healthier version without sacrificing the delicious flavor and crunch, baking your fried chicken in the oven is the perfect solution. This method offers all the flavors of deep-fried chicken but with less oil and fewer calories. In this topic, we’ll guide you through the process of making oven-baked fried chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Why Choose Oven-Baked Fried Chicken?
When it comes to preparing fried chicken, the traditional deep-frying method requires a lot of oil, which can make the dish heavier and higher in calories. Baking your chicken in the oven is a healthier alternative because it uses little to no oil while still achieving a crispy coating. Here are some reasons why oven-baked fried chicken is a great choice
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Healthier Option Baking reduces the amount of oil used, making the chicken lower in fat and calories compared to deep-fried versions.
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Easy to Prepare Oven-baked chicken is relatively simple to make and doesn’t require much hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.
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Crispy and Juicy With the right technique, you can still achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.
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Less Mess Since no oil is involved, there’s less splattering and cleanup compared to deep frying.
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Fried Chicken
Before you start, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for your oven-baked fried chicken
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Chicken Pieces You can use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Bone-in pieces tend to be juicier, but boneless options cook faster.
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Breadcrumbs Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or regular breadcrumbs if you prefer a finer texture.
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Flour All-purpose flour is typically used to coat the chicken before dipping in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
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Eggs Eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and create that crispy layer.
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Seasonings Common seasonings for fried chicken include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a little heat.
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Oil (Optional) While not needed for deep frying, a light spray of cooking oil or olive oil on the chicken before baking will help achieve a golden and crispy finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Chicken in the Oven
Follow these simple steps to make crispy and flavorful oven-baked fried chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken pieces. If you’re using bone-in chicken, you may want to trim any excess skin or fat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks better. This also helps the chicken crisp up in the oven.
2. Season the Chicken
Generously season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. A simple seasoning of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika works well, but you can add herbs or spices like thyme, rosemary, or cayenne for extra flavor. Rub the seasoning into the chicken pieces, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
3. Prepare the Dredging Station
To achieve the perfect crispy coating, you’ll need a dredging station. Set up three shallow dishes
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Flour In the first dish, add flour and season it with a bit of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Egg Wash In the second dish, beat a couple of eggs. You can add a splash of milk or water to the eggs for a smoother consistency.
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Breadcrumbs In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs, and season them with your choice of herbs and spices. If you want extra crunch, you can mix some crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers into the breadcrumbs.
4. Coat the Chicken
Now it’s time to coat the chicken. First, dip each piece of chicken into the flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well to the surface.
5. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Place a rack on a baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around the chicken and help it cook evenly, preventing it from becoming soggy. If you don’t have a rack, you can simply place the chicken directly on the sheet, but make sure to line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
6. Spray with Oil (Optional)
For an even crispier finish, lightly spray the breaded chicken pieces with cooking spray or drizzle them with a small amount of oil. This will help the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up during baking.
7. Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet with the coated chicken in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides get crispy. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Fried Chicken
To make sure your oven-baked fried chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few additional tips
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Use Bone-In Chicken Bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier and are more forgiving when baking, as they retain moisture better than boneless pieces.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan Ensure that the chicken pieces are spaced out on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
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Rest After Baking Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
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Season Every Layer Season the chicken, the flour, and the breadcrumbs for maximum flavor. Each layer adds depth to the taste.
Serving Ideas for Oven-Baked Fried Chicken
Oven-baked fried chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal
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Coleslaw A tangy and crunchy slaw is a classic side that complements the crispy texture of the chicken.
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Mashed Potatoes Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side that pairs well with the savory chicken.
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Corn on the Cob Sweet corn on the cob is a great addition, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
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Biscuits Soft, flaky biscuits are perfect for sopping up any leftover gravy or sauce.
Conclusion
Making fried chicken in the oven is a simple and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. By using a few basic ingredients and following a few easy steps, you can achieve a crispy, golden coating on your chicken without the need for excess oil. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a gathering, oven-baked fried chicken is a versatile and delicious choice that’s sure to please everyone.