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The Best Oven Fried Chicken

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The Best Oven Fried Chicken is a crispy, golden, and flavorful baked chicken that delivers all the crunch of fried chicken without the mess of deep frying. Juicy on the inside and perfectly seasoned on the outside, it’s a healthier comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

  • 34 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or a mix)
  • 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Cooking spray or 2 tbsp oil (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight for best tenderness and flavor.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
  3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
  5. Place coated chicken on the wire rack. Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil to encourage crispiness.
  6. Bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour for a spicy version.Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with flour for extra crunch.Substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk plus 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.Add Parmesan cheese to the coating for a cheesy twist.Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.

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