Crispy Golden Baked Fried Chicken Recipe: Family Favorite

Crispy and golden baked fried chicken promises a healthier twist on a classic comfort dish.

Secrets from professional kitchens unlock incredible flavor without drowning ingredients in excess oil.

Southern culinary traditions inspire this mouthwatering approach to creating irresistible poultry.

Perfectly seasoned breading guarantees a crunchy exterior that mimics deep-frying techniques.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Delicate spices and smart baking methods ensure you enjoy maximum taste with reduced calories.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this guilt-free chicken sensation.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for soaking chicken?

Buttermilk tenderizes the meat, adds flavor, and helps create a crispy coating by breaking down proteins and making the chicken more moist.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of strips?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked without drying out. Thinner cuts will cook faster than thick breast pieces.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• What if I don't have seasoned salt?

You can substitute with a blend of regular salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme or oregano to create a similar flavor profile.

Crispy and Juicy Baked Fried Chicken

• Simplify Cooking Process: Bypass traditional deep-frying by baking chicken, reducing oil usage and mess while delivering crispy, golden results.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Buttermilk soak guarantees tender, juicy chicken with deep seasoning that penetrates every delicious bite.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Using a single pan and straightforward ingredients means less washing and faster post-meal recovery, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Provides a healthier alternative to classic fried chicken that satisfies both adults and kids with its familiar crispy texture and rich seasonings.

Ingredients for Baked Fried Chicken

• Chicken Strips: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein of the dish.

• Buttermilk: Tangy dairy product that helps tenderize and add flavor to the chicken.

• All-Purpose Flour, Seasoned Salt, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: A blend of dry ingredients that creates a crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a golden, crispy exterior for the baked chicken.

How to Make Crispy Baked Fried Chicken

Step 1: Infuse Flavor with Buttermilk Bath

Submerge chicken strips into buttermilk, allowing them to marinate and tenderize in the refrigerator. This magical soak will help break down proteins and create incredibly juicy meat that’s packed with flavor.

Step 2: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature will help create that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside succulent and tender.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Seasoned salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Shake or mix these ingredients until they become a tantalizing blend of spices that will transform your chicken into a crispy masterpiece.

Step 4: Create the Buttery Foundation

Place butter in a rectangular baking dish and slide it into the hot oven.

Watch as the butter melts and creates a luxurious, golden coating that will help your chicken develop a spectacular crisp exterior.

Step 5: Transform Chicken into Crispy Delight

Remove chicken from buttermilk bath, letting excess liquid drip off.

Generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered with the flavorful blend.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Carefully arrange chicken pieces in the butter-coated baking dish.

Slide into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Flip each piece to ensure even browning, then continue baking for another 20 minutes.

Chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and displays a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Fried Chicken

• Soak chicken in buttermilk to tenderize and enhance flavor, allowing the meat to become juicier and more flavorful.
• Ensure even coating by shaking chicken pieces thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help breading stick better.
• Melt butter directly in baking pan for extra crispiness and rich golden-brown exterior without deep-frying.
• Check internal temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
• Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or swap seasoned salt with herbs for a lower-sodium alternative.

Variations on Baked Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Southern Chicken: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the flour mixture for a fiery kick.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour coating for an aromatic Mediterranean-style chicken.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken: Use crushed pork rinds instead of flour for a crispy, carb-free coating that adds extra protein.

Pairing Suggestions for Baked Fried Chicken

• Pair Crispy Southern Comfort: Serve this baked fried chicken with creamy coleslaw that adds tangy freshness and cool crunch to balance the rich, hot chicken.
• Refreshing Beverage Boost: Pair with ice-cold sweet tea or a crisp lemonade that cuts through the richness and provides a zingy counterpoint to the savory meat.
• Classic Side Kick: Add fluffy buttermilk biscuits or creamy mashed potatoes to complete the Southern-style meal, soaking up the delicious pan juices and adding comforting texture.
• Wine and Dine Match: Select a light, chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a fruity Rosé that complements the chicken's crispy exterior without overpowering its delicate flavor.

Storage Advice for Baked Fried Chicken

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help retain crispiness. Warm for 10-15 minutes, checking to prevent overcooking.

Baked Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 18 1x

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Description

Crispy golden Baked Fried Chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table without excessive oil. Juicy meat and perfectly seasoned crunch invite hungry diners to savor this healthier take on a classic favorite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Buttermilk

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika

Fats:

• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken strips in buttermilk inside refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate and tenderize meat.
2. Heat oven precisely to 400°F, ensuring consistent temperature for optimal cooking.
3. Create seasoning blend by combining flour, salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and paprika in a spacious Ziploc bag or mixing container.
4. Place butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and melt completely inside preheated oven, tilting pan to distribute evenly across surface.
5. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Carefully position coated chicken pieces inside buttered baking dish, maintaining slight separation between sections.
7. Roast chicken for initial 20 minutes at 400°F, then carefully flip each piece to promote even browning and crispiness.
8. Continue baking for additional 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 170°F, guaranteeing chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain moisture before serving.

Notes

• Marinating chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, making it extra juicy and flavorful while creating a tangy base for the coating.
• Letting chicken sit in seasoned flour mixture before baking ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior that mimics traditional fried chicken texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked without drying out, aiming for an internal temperature of 165F for food safety.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy coating while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 18
• Calories: 159
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 6.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg