Description
A healthier take on classic fried chicken, this oven-fried chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts with a flavorful, seasoned crust without the need for deep frying. Marinated in buttermilk and baked with a buttery coating, this dish is perfect for a comforting family meal that combines great taste with convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Finishing
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the bone-in, skinless chicken breasts in a bowl filled with buttermilk and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Breading: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and baking powder thoroughly to create the seasoned breading mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well to the chicken.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken to help crisp the coating. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and adds moisture.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safety.
- Drizzling melted butter over the chicken before baking promotes a crispy and flavorful crust without frying.
- You can customize the seasoning in the breading mix by adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra heat or smokiness.
- Using parchment paper on the baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
