Scrumptious and Healthy: Baked Chicken Recipe
Picture this: the ultimate crispy baked chicken recipe that is sure to make your taste buds dance with delight. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, crispy oven baked chicken has never been so easy to make!
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I understand the importance of having perfectly cooked chicken that tastes fantastic. In this recipe article, I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for truly crispy oven-fried chicken.
You might be wondering, “how is it possible to enjoy delicious fried chicken that’s healthy too?” Well, with this recipe, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or your waistline. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry right now!
Whether you are hosting a family dinner or a backyard barbecue, you can never go wrong with this crowd-pleasing dish. Trust me; once you’ve tried it, you will never want fried chicken again. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and make some truly crispy baked chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks. I’m about to tell you why you’re going to love this recipe for Easy Crispy Baked Chicken. The answer is simple: Chicken. That’s right, juicy, succulent chicken cooked to perfection with a crispy, golden-brown skin that will have your taste buds singing in harmony.
Now, some may argue that fried chicken is the be-all and end-all of poultry perfection. But let me ask you this – do you really want to clog up your arteries with all that grease and oil? Do you want to spend hours slaving over a hot stove, trying to get that perfect crispy exterior without burning the chicken within? I think not.
That’s where this recipe comes in. It’s easy to make (no fancy or complicated techniques here!), it’s deliciously crispy (without any deep-frying!), and it’s healthy (skinless chicken breasts without any fried skin!). And don’t just take my word for it – this dish is a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for your family on a weekday night, everyone is guaranteed to love it.
Perhaps best of all, this recipe allows for endless customization. Want your chicken spicy? Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Prefer things on the sweeter side? Drizzle some honey over the chicken before baking. The possibilities are endless!
So go ahead and give this recipe a try. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed. In fact, I’d bet my last dollar that this Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Recipe will be a mainstay of your recipe collection from now on!
Ingredient List
Let’s gather up the ingredients we need to make this Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Recipe. Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy items or exotic spices for this recipe, just some basic pantry staples and a couple of fresh items. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- 4 skinless chicken breasts (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For the Dredging Station
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
Get your shopping bag ready and tick off these items from your grocery list.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get into the heart of this recipe. I am going to share with you all the steps to make truly crispy baked chicken. This recipe works best with skin-on, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. You can also use bone-in cuts if you prefer.
Ingredients:
- 4 (1 1/2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle or spray each chicken piece with a little bit of olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Flip each chicken piece and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and its surface becomes crispy and golden brown.
This is an easy-to-follow recipe that takes only about one hour to make from start to finish! If you want some variety in texture, you can also use panko bread crumbs instead of plain flour for a nice crunch.
I hope you have succeeded in making juicy fried chicken, without the fear of deep frying at home!
Substitutions and Variations
Now that we’ve covered the classic recipe for deliciously crispy baked chicken, let’s explore some substitutions and variations that can spice things up and give your taste buds a thrill.
First off: instead of using skinless chicken breasts or boneless chicken breasts, why not try chicken thighs? They have more fat and connective tissue, which means they’ll stay juicy and tender even after baking. Or, if you’re feeling brave, substitute with some wings or drumsticks for some extra flavor without the fuss.
If you’re looking to mix up the seasoning, there are countless options. Swap out the garlic powder for something like curry powder or cumin for an exotic twist. Add lemon juice or zest to give it a tangy kick. For a smoky flavor, sprinkle on some chipotle pepper or add some smoked paprika to the flour mixture.
For those looking to go even healthier than the recipe already is (yes, it’s possible!), consider using panko bread crumbs instead of flour, as it creates a crispy coating without absorbing as much oil. Or, for a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of the traditional wheat flour.
One variation you could try is adding a bit of sweetness to your chicken. Coat your chicken in honey mustard before applying the flour mixture or add a touch of honey to your seasoning.
These are just a few ideas to switch things up and find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen – who knows what amazing creations you may come up with!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve got a mouth-watering crispy baked chicken dish, it’s time to think about how you’re going to serve it. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – it can be served with so many different sides and drinks. You can keep it simple with a salad or roasted vegetables, or go for something more decadent like creamy mashed potatoes, mac and cheese or cornbread.
If you’re feeling like something more exotic than your usual sides, you can go for some spicy Asian noodles, sauteed spinach or creamy risotto. For the perfect beverage pairing, you can never go wrong with an ice-cold beer, a glass of smooth red wine or a refreshing glass of water with lime.
But don’t forget about appetizers! You can serve up some classic fried chicken wings (use the same coating as the chicken) or some light and crispy kale chips to start off the meal on the right foot.
No matter what you choose, make sure to showcase your juicy and crispy baked chicken as the shining star of your meal. Trust me, it will be a crowd-pleaser no matter what you serve it with!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up folks, because this is where things get serious. You want to serve up some crispy oven-fried chicken that will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds? Well then, you’re gonna have to take a few extra steps in planning things out.
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. Yes, you heard me right. You can make this delicious chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for later use.
To do so, simply let the baked chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. The chicken will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you’re planning on serving it cold, be sure to let it come to room temperature before doing so.
Now, reheating this bad boy is important as nobody wants rubbery or dry chicken. To reheat the oven-fried chicken, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the chicken until it’s heated through and crispy again – this should take about 10-12 minutes.
Another tip for storing leftover chicken is to not store it together with any dipping sauces that you may have used for serving. This will prevent the sauce from making the crust soggy and keep your chicken crispy.
So there you have it folks! The perfect recipe for make-ahead, storing and reheating of your crispy baked chicken. Whether you’re hosting a party or just making a quick weeknight dinner for yourself, take notes because these tips will come in handy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the basic steps of this easy crispy baked chicken recipe, let’s talk about some tips to ensure your chicken is truly crispy and delicious.
First and foremost, make sure to pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasonings and coating them. The drier they are, the better they will adhere to the coating mixture.
Another essential tip is to preheat the oven at a high temperature: either 425 °F or 400 °F for convection ovens. Starting with a hot oven allows the chicken to cook through quickly and develop that crispiness on the outside.
To make sure each piece of chicken gets that coveted golden brown color, arrange them in a single layer with enough space between them on the baking sheet. Crowding them together can cause the steam to build up, resulting in less crispiness.
When flipping the chicken pieces halfway during cooking, use tongs instead of a fork. Using a fork can puncture the meat which releases juices and makes it dry out.
If you’re looking for an even crispier texture, try using Panko bread crumbs instead of regular flour or breadcrumbs in your coating mixture. Panko gives additional crunchiness without compromising flavor.
Lastly, remember to let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving them. This will help lock in their moisture and enable them to be juicy and tender rather than tough.
With these tips in mind, you’re all set up to make delicious crispy baked chicken every time!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to make this easy crispy baked chicken recipe, it’s time to address any questions or concerns you may have. Below are some frequently asked questions that I’ve received along with their answers. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions or feedback!
How do I make my baked chicken crispy?
To start off, we’re going to preheat our oven to 400 degrees. While that’s heating up, we’ll take our chicken pieces and season them with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Next, we’ll flip each piece over so that the skin side is facing up.
Once the oven is ready, we’ll place our seasoned chicken pieces in and let them cook for about an hour. As the chicken bakes, you’ll notice that most of the fat will render out, leaving us with a delicious and healthy meal. Check on the chicken occasionally to make sure it’s cooking evenly.
After an hour, our chicken should be perfectly cooked and its skin should be golden brown and crispy. We’ll take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before we serve it. This will allow the juices to settle and create a more flavorful dish. Now, it’s time to enjoy!
What is the secret to crispy chicken?
When it comes to making the perfect crunchy and flavorful fried chicken, there are some key ingredients that can make all the difference. Protein-packed egg white not only adds structure to the chicken, but also acts as a culinary glue for the flour coating. Using alcohol in the frying oil can aid in quick evaporation, while incorporating cornstarch into the flour mixture creates a crispier crust. These tips can help take your fried chicken game to the next level.
What ingredient makes chicken skin crispy?
I’ve got a secret ingredient that can give your chicken skin the crunchiest texture ever, no matter how much you’re cooking. It’s not something you’d expect to use outside of baking, but trust me, it works wonders.
How do restaurants get their chicken so crispy?
When it comes to preparing fried chicken, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about cooking it properly, but also about keeping it warm and maintaining its crispy texture. A trick used by some restaurants is to hold the chicken in an oven set to a low temperature for a short period of time. This allows the chicken to finish cooking without losing its crunchiness.
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, this Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to fried chicken without sacrificing flavor and texture. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a truly crispy and juicy chicken that will leave your friends and family begging for more.
Whether you’re busy working during the week, have guests over on the weekends, or just want an easy weekday meal option, this baked chicken recipe is sure to be a hit. Add your favorite sides and drinks to elevate the flavor, and you’ll have yourself an amazing meal that’s both impressive and affordable.
So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe out today and see for yourself why it’s one of my favorites. Don’t forget to share your creations with me in the comments below or on social media using #CrispyBakedChickenRecipe. Happy cooking!
Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 (4 1/4 ounce) package Kraft Oven Fry Extra Crispy Chicken
- 2 cups corn flake crumbs
- 2 tablespoons Lawry's Seasoned Salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 6 skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Set oven rack to lowest-bottom position.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place foil on a cookie sheet.
- Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine all the ingredients except the chicken in a large zip lock baggy.
- Shake the baggy with the ingredients to mix thoroughly.
- Wet chicken breast one at a time and place in zip lock baggy.
- Shake until chicken is completely covered.
- Place chicken on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!