Description
This Baked Fried Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional fried chicken by baking instead of frying. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in buttermilk, coated with a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, and baked until crispy and golden brown, delivering all the satisfying crunch and flavor without the extra oil.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts*
- 3 cups buttermilk**
Coating Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning (such as Lawry’s)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Baking and Garnish
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, ½ stick)
- ¼ cup fresh flat leaf parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner, even portions to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate: Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Marinate for about 20 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix the Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ground paprika, all-purpose seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set this seasoned flour mixture aside.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the butter and pour it onto the parchment to coat the bottom of the pan, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Pat Dry Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk and blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture for a better coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the seasoned flour, coating both sides thoroughly. Place each coated piece on the prepared baking sheet with space between pieces to allow crisping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts halfway through at about 20 minutes, until the breading is golden brown and juices run clear.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy your healthier baked fried chicken.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is patted dry after marinating to help the flour mixture adhere properly.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through baking promotes even browning and crispiness on both sides.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Adjust seasoning in the flour mixture according to taste preferences.
- Optional parsley garnish adds freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Baked fried chicken, healthy fried chicken, oven fried chicken, crispy baked chicken, buttermilk chicken
