Name: Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional); 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons melted butter or cooking spray

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If you’re craving the mouthwatering crunch of classic fried chicken without breaking out the deep fryer, this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe is about to change your weeknight dinner game. Imagine juicy, tender chicken enveloped in a golden, crispy crust that’s packed with flavor, all with a fraction of the mess and grease of traditional frying. This recipe is my go-to whenever I need comfort food that feels special but is secretly easy and lighter. You’ll be amazed at how a few pantry staples transform simple chicken into a show-stopping, family-favorite meal.

Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe is how each ingredient plays its role to perfection — bringing just the right balance of savory, buttery, spicy, and crispy. Pull these together and you’re on your way to a full-flavored dinner that never disappoints!

Chicken pieces (8 bone-in, skin-on drumsticks or thighs): The heart of the dish, bone-in chicken stays juicy and flavorful while baking.
Buttermilk (1 cup): This tangy marinade keeps the chicken moist and adds a gentle zing to every bite.
Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): Brings a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors, but safe to skip for sensitive palates.
Crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (1 1/2 cups): The secret to that crackly, golden coating you’ll crave!
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Cheese adds a salty-savory punch and helps the coating crisp beautifully in the oven.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a smoky pop of color and gentle warmth to each bite.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the crumb with earthy, aromatic depth.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, savory foundation — it’s subtle but important!
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and brings the seasoning together.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a little sharpness and balances the other spices.
Melted butter or cooking spray (3 tablespoons): Gives that crispy, irresistible finish without deep frying!

How to Make Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag with buttermilk and hot sauce, making sure each piece is coated well. The buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken, but it also infuses a subtle tang. You can marinate for just an hour if pressed for time, though marinating overnight delivers unbelievably juicy results you’ll taste in every bite!

Step 2: Prep the Baking Setup

When you’re almost ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and set a wire rack on top so air can circulate for even, super-crispy chicken. Remember to spray or lightly oil the rack to keep the crust from sticking.

Step 3: Make the Crispy Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is where your Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe gets its craveable crunch and punch of flavor in every single bite.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess marinade drip off. Press each piece firmly into the crumb mixture so it gets an even, generous coating all around — this is the magic for that signature crispy crust! For an extra thick and crunchy layer, you can double-dip: back in the buttermilk, then in the coating one more time.

Step 5: Arrange and Add Fat

Place your coated chicken pieces on the prepared rack. Drizzle them with melted butter, or spray well with cooking spray — this helps the coating bake up beautifully golden and irresistible without frying in oil.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping once halfway through for even crunch. You’ll know it’s done when the coating is deeply golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Let the Oven-Fried Chicken rest for about 5 minutes to keep all those delicious juices in.

How to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Top your crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color, or try a dusting of smoked paprika for extra flair. Lemon wedges on the side add a bright, zesty finish that works wonders with the savory crust.

Side Dishes

This chicken is brilliant alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or sweet corn on the cob. For a lighter spread, add a green salad with a punchy vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables. The variety makes every bite feel like a picnic!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve pieces atop homemade waffles for a Southern-style brunch, or slice the chicken over a crisp salad for an easy, crowd-pleasing main. You can even tuck leftovers in a sandwich with pickles and a swipe of spicy mayo — trust me, there won’t be complaints at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Oven-Fried Chicken, let any leftovers cool completely, then pack them into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To best preserve crunch, keep the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate before sealing it up.

Freezing

This Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe freezes remarkably well! Place cooled chicken pieces on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to freezer bags or containers. They’ll keep their best texture and flavor for up to two months — perfect for last-minute cravings.

Reheating

To bring back that irresistible crisp, reheat your chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 375°F oven until hot and sizzling (about 15–20 minutes from cold, or a bit longer from frozen). Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crunchy coating at its best!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken tends to cook faster and comes out just as juicy. Just check for doneness a bit earlier, since smaller pieces finish in about 25–30 minutes.

Do I have to use buttermilk, or are there substitutes?

Buttermilk really helps with flavor and tenderness, but if you don’t have any, simply mix a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. The result is a great tangy stand-in!

What’s the best way to crush cornflakes for the coating?

Place cornflakes in a zip-top bag and roll over them with a rolling pin for chunky pieces, or pulse quickly in a food processor for a finer breading. Either way, you’ll get that perfect crispy texture for your Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe.

Can I make this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe gluten free?

Definitely — swap in gluten-free cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double check any store-bought seasonings. You’ll still get exceptional crunch and flavor!

Why did my coating come out soggy?

Sogginess can happen if the chicken wasn’t drained of excess marinade, or if the oven rack was skipped. Always let the buttermilk drip off before coating, and bake on a rack to promote airflow for the crispest crust possible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an impressively simple, crowd-pleasing dinner, give this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe a try. The crunchy crust, juicy chicken, and ease of baking (rather than frying!) might just make it your household’s new favorite meal. Happy cooking!

Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the crispy goodness of this delicious Oven-Fried Chicken recipe, featuring juicy chicken coated in a flavorful blend of cornflakes, Parmesan, and spices, baked to perfection for a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

For the Coating:

1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons melted butter or cooking spray

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top, coat with cooking spray.
Coat the Chicken: Combine cornflakes, Parmesan, and spices in a bowl. Coat chicken pieces in the mixture.
Bake: Arrange chicken on the wire rack, drizzle with butter or cooking spray. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crispy.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.