Oven Fried Chicken

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for oven-fried chicken. This recipe uses a combination of spices and a crispy coating to give you a flavorful, crunchy chicken without the need for deep frying.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works great for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

2. Prepare the Coating:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
2. In a large, shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken:

1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
2. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres well.

4. Bake the Chicken:

1. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack.
2. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil to help the coating crisp up.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

5. Serve:

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Enjoy your crispy, oven-fried chicken!