Description
This Oven Fried Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional fried chicken using the oven instead of a deep fryer. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a seasoned panko breading, the chicken cooks to juicy perfection with a crunchy exterior, making it a healthier yet delicious comfort food option perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each cut into 3 strips
Breading and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 5 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Soak the chicken strips in the buttermilk for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours. This tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
- Preheat and Prepare Butter: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the butter on a large baking sheet and put it in the oven to melt while it heats up. Once melted, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Coat the Chicken: In a large ziplock bag, combine the flour, panko bread crumbs, seasoning salt, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add 3 pieces of chicken at a time to the bag and shake well to evenly coat the strips with the breading mixture.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken strips on the baking sheet over the melted butter, spacing them out so they are not touching. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Baking: Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken strips to the other side and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- Spacing the chicken strips apart ensures even crisping.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Substitute butter with a neutral oil like avocado oil for a lighter version.
