Baked Fried Chicken is the perfect alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken, offering the same crispy, golden-brown texture without the excess oil. This recipe uses a flavorful coating and a high-temperature baking method to achieve a crunchy crust while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or simply want an easier way to enjoy fried chicken, this dish delivers all the satisfaction with less mess.
Ingredients:
- 8 pieces of chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 cups crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Season the Flour Mixture:
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture:
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and Dijon mustard.
- Crush the Cornflakes:
- Place cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
- Crush them slightly to create a coarse texture.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Then, dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken in crushed cornflakes or panko, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange and Bake:
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top to enhance crispiness.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or sides!
Tips for the Perfect Baked Fried Chicken:
- Use Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
- Crush Cornflakes Lightly: This ensures a crispy texture without being too fine.
- High Heat for Crispiness: Baking at 425°F mimics the effect of frying, creating a crunchy crust.
This Baked Fried Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without deep frying. You can find a similar recipe here. Let me know if you’d like any variations or additional tips! 🍗✨