Oven-Fried Chicken
Oven-Fried Chicken
Introduction
Oven-fried chicken is a delicious and healthier twist on a classic comfort food. With crispy breading and juicy meat, this dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you want a satisfying meal. The best part? You can enjoy the crunch without the mess of deep frying!
Why Make This Recipe
Making oven-fried chicken is a great choice for several reasons. It offers the same crunchy texture as traditional fried chicken but with much less oil. This means it’s a healthier option while still being incredibly tasty. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be baked in large batches, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.
How to Make Oven-Fried Chicken
Creating oven-fried chicken is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow the simple steps below to make your own delicious oven-fried chicken.
Ingredients:
- 12 chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 3 eggs
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place flour in a shallow plate or bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Put bread crumbs in another shallow plate or bowl and beat eggs in another bowl.
- Dredge chicken piece by piece in the flour, then the egg, then the bread crumbs until all pieces are coated.
- Pour oil into a large baking dish; add the breaded chicken thighs and sprinkle with paprika to taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then turn pieces over and bake for another 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken
Oven-fried chicken is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a side of dipping sauce can elevate the flavors even more.
How to Store Oven-Fried Chicken
To store leftover oven-fried chicken, let it cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can last about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips to Make Oven-Fried Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk before breading them.
- Make sure the chicken is completely coated in flour, egg, and bread crumbs for a nice crunchy texture.
- If you want an even crispier crust, try using panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs.
Variation
You can experiment with different spices and seasoning blends to change the flavor of your oven-fried chicken. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for a spicy kick!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as breasts may cook faster than thighs.
2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread crumbs as substitutes to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. Can I prep this dish a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken by breading it the day before. Just store it in the fridge and bake it the next day before serving.