If you’re craving crispy, juicy chicken without the mess and extra oil of deep-frying, this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers that perfect golden crunch and tender, flavorful meat using simple pantry staples, and it’s easy enough to make any night of the week. The combination of butter, seasoned flour, and high oven heat mimics that classic fried chicken texture, but in a healthier, fuss-free way. Once you master this technique, it’s sure to become your go-to comfort food that everyone at the table will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the butter that adds richness and helps the crust brown beautifully, to the paprika that brings a subtle smoky warmth, these ingredients come together for a perfectly balanced dish.
- 1/4 cup butter: Helps the chicken crisp up with a golden, flavorful crust and adds moisture.
- 1/2 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour: Creates the crisp coating that mimics traditional fried chicken’s crunchy exterior.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild spice and a lovely warm color to the coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Gives just a touch of heat to complement the other spices.
- 3- to 3 1/2-lb cut-up whole chicken: Fresh chicken pieces with skin on ensure juicy meat and the crispiness on the outside.
How to Make Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Butter
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place 1/4 cup of butter into a large 15x10x1-inch pan and put it in the oven to melt. This step is crucial because the melted butter acts like hot oil in the pan, helping the chicken get that irresistible crispy crust as it bakes.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
While the butter is melting, mix the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This seasoning blend packs just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure every nook and cranny gets covered. This creates the crispy, flavorful crust that’s the hallmark of this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the floured chicken pieces skin-side down in the pan with the melted butter. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, which allows the bottom to crisp up nicely. After 30 minutes, carefully turn each piece over and bake for another 20 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear when pierced at the thickest part and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. This step ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with that much-loved golden crust.
How to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side enhances this dish beautifully. The bright herbs brighten the plate, while lemon wedges offer a fresh zing that cuts through the richness of the buttery crust—giving you a little flavor boost if you want it.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp, tangy coleslaw are fantastic companions to this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe. They complement the golden chicken’s hearty flavors while adding contrast in texture and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve this chicken on a rustic wooden board alongside colorful roasted vegetables and a homemade dipping sauce like honey mustard or spicy aioli. Not only does it look amazing, but it makes your dinner feel like a special occasion while still being super approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover chicken pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust stays reasonably crispy if you reheat it the right way, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe leftovers by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken is best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To revive that crispy crust without drying out the chicken, reheat pieces in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the chicken soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Skin-on chicken is best for this Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe because the skin helps keep the meat moist and provides a crispy texture when baked. Skinless pieces won’t get as crispy or flavorful.
Is this recipe healthier than traditional fried chicken?
Yes! Since the chicken is baked rather than deep-fried in oil, it uses less fat while still delivering that crunchy texture and delicious flavor everyone loves.
Can I use other spices in the flour coating?
Absolutely! Feel free to add garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to customize the flavor. Just keep the balance so the coating remains crisp and tasty.
What type of pan should I use?
A shallow baking pan or roasting pan works best for this recipe. It allows the butter to pool and crisp the chicken evenly, much like shallow frying would.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear when the thickest part is cut. Using a meat thermometer checks doneness without guesswork.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can make a spectacular meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll be smiling with every crispy, juicy bite and inevitably coming back for seconds.
Print
Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Oven-Fried Chicken recipe offers a deliciously crispy coating achieved by baking rather than deep-frying. Using a simple breading of seasoned flour and butter, the chicken emerges golden and juicy, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3– to 3 1/2-lb cut-up whole chicken
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare butter: Heat your oven to 425°F. Place 1/4 cup of butter in a 15x10x1-inch pan and allow it to melt while the oven heats up, creating a buttery base for cooking the chicken.
- Prepare coating and coat chicken: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Thoroughly coat each piece of cut-up chicken with this seasoned flour mixture.
- Arrange chicken in pan: Place the coated chicken pieces skin side down in the pan with the melted butter, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Bake chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the oven for 30 minutes, allowing the bottom to crisp and brown slightly.
- Turn and continue baking: After 30 minutes, turn the chicken pieces over so skin side is up, and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the juices run clear when thickest pieces are cut near the bone, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cut into pieces for even cooking and quicker bake time.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- Turning the chicken halfway through baking promotes crisp skin on all sides.
- Butter can be substituted with a healthier oil if desired, though it may affect flavor and crispness.
- This recipe is great for those looking to enjoy fried chicken flavor with less oil and mess.
