Crispy Golden Baked “Fried” Chicken Recipe for Home Chefs

Crispy, golden-brown chicken with a perfect baked fried chicken recipe creates an irresistible dinner that rivals any classic fried version.

The secret lies in a perfectly seasoned coating that locks in juicy tenderness.

Forget greasy deep-frying and embrace this healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Each bite promises a satisfying crunch that will make mouths water.

The simple technique ensures a restaurant-quality meal right from your home kitchen.

Crunchy on the outside and succulent on the inside, this recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients That Make Baked Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy richness, choose full-fat version for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps break down protein for tender meat.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, subtle heat and depth to the marinade's flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers rich, smoky undertone that elevates the chicken's taste.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces aromatic depth without raw garlic's sharp bite.
• Onion Powder: Contributes sweet, mellow background notes to complement other spices.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates super light, extra crispy exterior with delicate crunch.
• Cornflakes: Adds unexpected textural crispness and subtle corn sweetness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces savory, nutty notes and helps coating adhere to chicken.
• Paprika: Provides warm color and mild pepper flavor to the breading.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures golden browning and prevents sticking without heavy oil.
• Parchment Paper: Facilitates easy cleanup and prevents baking sheet from getting messy.
• Wire Rack: Allows hot air circulation for even, crispy coating all around chicken pieces.

Tools For Crispy Baked Fried Chicken

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade and coating chicken thoroughly.
• Baking Sheet: Essential for holding the wire rack and catching any drips during baking.
• Wire Rack: Helps chicken crisp up evenly by allowing air circulation underneath.
• Shallow Dish: Ideal for mixing and coating chicken in breadcrumb mixture.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for perfect seasoning.
• Cooking Spray: Helps create golden, crispy exterior and prevents sticking.
• Meat Thermometer: Confirms chicken is cooked safely to the right internal temperature.
• Tongs: Convenient for handling and turning chicken pieces during coating and baking.

How To Make Baked Fried Chicken Easily

• Flavor Infusion

Submerge chicken pieces in a magical buttermilk bath seasoned with aromatic spices. This bath transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed delight, softening the meat and creating a mouthwatering foundation for crunchiness.

• Coating Creation

Build an irresistible crispy armor by combining panko breadcrumbs, cornflakes, and Parmesan cheese. This mixture will give the chicken a golden, crunchy exterior that crackles with every bite.

• Preparation Ritual

Heat the oven to a toasty 400F. Position a wire rack on a baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring maximum crispiness from all angles.

• Transformation Process

Gently remove chicken from its buttermilk bath, allowing excess liquid to drip away. Lovingly roll each piece in the crispy coating, pressing firmly to create a perfect protective layer.

• Golden Perfection

Slide the chicken into the oven and let magic happen. After 35-45 minutes, you’ll have a masterpiece of golden, crunchy chicken that’s cooked to juicy perfection.

• Serving Celebration

Let the chicken rest briefly, then proudly serve alongside your favorite companions like fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Tips For Juicy Baked Fried Chicken

• Crispy Crunch Secrets: Turn your baked fried chicken into a culinary masterpiece with these pro tips!
• Moisture Magic: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before marinating to help the coating stick better and create an extra-crispy exterior. Drier chicken means crunchier results that will make everyone's taste buds dance.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version. Ground almond meal also works wonderfully as a crunchy alternative coating.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, ranch, or Mediterranean spice mixes in the breadcrumb coating. Each variation transforms the chicken's flavor profile without compromising the incredible crispy texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every single time. Overcooking dries out the meat, while undercooking poses health risks, so aim for that perfect 165F sweet spot.
• Leftover Love: Store cooled chicken pieces in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy and lose that delightful crunch.

Ways To Serve Baked Fried Chicken

• Crispy Comfort Companions: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool, tangy crunch that perfectly balances the hot, crispy chicken.
• Dipping Delight Central: Whip up a zesty ranch or spicy honey mustard sauce for an extra flavor kick that elevates each bite.
• Southern-Style Sidekicks: Pair with classic mac and cheese or creamy mashed potatoes to create a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that screams home cooking.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Scatter some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a bright, green pop of color and subtle herbal freshness.

Keep Baked Fried Chicken Fresh

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored chicken stays delicious for 3-4 days.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy coating and preserve texture.
• Freezer Stash Strategy: Wrap individual pieces in foil, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken remains tasty for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare chicken in advance and portion into grab-and-go containers. Perfect for quick lunches or dinner shortcuts during busy weekdays. Label with date to track freshness.

Crispy Baked Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Southern fried chicken delights palates with crispy, golden-brown perfection. Marinated chicken pieces achieve extraordinary crunch through buttermilk coating and seasoned flour. You’ll savor traditional Southern comfort in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken pieces, bone-in, skinless (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray
• 1 cup (240 ml) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (120 ml) crushed cornflakes
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

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Instructions

1. Marination: Whisk buttermilk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring thorough coverage. Refrigerate for 1-8 hours to maximize flavor infusion.
2. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Position wire rack over parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spritz with cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
3. Crust Development: Combine panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, Parmesan, and paprika in a shallow dish. Create a uniform, textured mixture that will provide a robust, crispy exterior.
4. Coating Process: Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Roll each piece meticulously in breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete and even coverage. Transfer coated pieces to prepared wire rack.
5. Baking Technique: Delicately mist chicken tops with cooking spray to encourage golden browning. Roast for 35-45 minutes, rotating midway through cooking. Verify doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165F and exterior appears beautifully bronzed and crisp.
6. Serving: Let chicken rest for 5-7 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Plate with preferred accompaniments for a delectable meal.

Notes

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture overnight for maximum flavor depth and tenderness, ensuring every bite bursts with zesty, seasoned goodness.
• Rack Revolution: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, creating an evenly crispy exterior that mimics deep-fried texture without excess oil.
• Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, adherent crust that prevents falling off during baking, guaranteeing a crunchy exterior.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165F internal temperature, preventing dry chicken while ensuring safe, perfectly cooked meat with juicy interior.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg