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To make the best oven fried chicken, you need fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds), cut into pieces - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice) - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level) - Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. The chicken should be fresh and well-cut. Buttermilk adds moisture and helps the chicken stay tender. The flour and spices create a crispy coating that packs flavor. Each spice adds its own unique taste, so don’t skip them! I love using smoked paprika for a nice, smoky flavor. The cayenne gives it a kick, but you can adjust that if you prefer less heat. Cooking spray or olive oil helps create that golden crust. These ingredients come together for a dish that is truly mouthwatering. If you want to try the full recipe, check out the details above! Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is key for great flavor. The acid in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat. This makes your chicken juicy and full of taste. I recommend soaking the chicken for at least 2 hours. If you have time, marinate it overnight for the best results. Next, you will prepare the coating. In a large shallow dish, mix the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. It’s important to mix these well to ensure every bite is flavorful. Now, it's time to bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or use a silicone mat. This helps prevent sticking. Place a wire rack on the sheet to lift the chicken. This allows hot air to circulate around it. Coat each chicken piece with the flour mix after removing it from the buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off before dredging. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumps. Now, place the chicken on the wire rack. For extra crispiness, drizzle a little olive oil on top. You can also spray it lightly with cooking spray. Bake the chicken for 35-45 minutes. The chicken should be golden-brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip the pieces halfway through baking for even cooking. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps provided. To get that perfect crunch, oil spray or drizzle is key. A light mist helps the coating crisp up nicely. It adds flavor without making the chicken greasy. Using a wire rack is also important. It keeps the chicken elevated and allows hot air to circulate. This way, all sides cook evenly. Don’t be shy about adjusting your seasonings. You can add more garlic powder for a bold taste. Want a kick? Add more cayenne pepper! You can also mix in different spice blends. Try curry powder or Italian herbs for a fun twist. Each change can give you a unique flavor. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This can trap steam and make your chicken soggy. Always give each piece space to breathe. Another mistake is not letting the chicken rest after cooking. Resting helps the juices settle, keeping the chicken moist and tasty. {{image_2}} You can change the herbs to make new flavors. Try using rosemary for a woodsy taste. Basil gives a fresh note that brightens the dish. You can also mix in parsley or sage for something different. Just remember to chop the herbs finely before adding them to your flour mix. This helps release their aroma and flavor. If you need a gluten-free recipe, you can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Look for blends that include rice flour or almond flour. These options work well and still give you a crispy crust. You can also use cornstarch or a mix of these flours. Just be sure to check the labels to avoid any gluten contamination. For a twist, you can use an air fryer. It makes the chicken extra crispy with less oil. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. This method cuts down on cooking time while still making the skin nice and crunchy. Just adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes and check for doneness. To store your leftover oven-fried chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken pieces in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. Consume the chicken within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and quality. If you wait too long, it may lose its great flavor and texture. If you want to keep the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around it. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps restore some of that crispy texture you love. Enjoy your oven-fried chicken just as good as the first day! Yes, you can use skinless chicken. However, the skin helps lock in moisture and adds crispiness. Without it, the chicken may be less juicy and lack some texture. If you choose skinless, consider marinating longer to keep it tender. To spice up your chicken, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mix. You can start with an extra half teaspoon or more, based on your taste. Other spices like chili powder or crushed red pepper also add heat. Mix and match to find your perfect spice level! Oven-fried chicken goes well with many sides. Classic choices include creamy coleslaw, smooth mashed potatoes, or buttery corn on the cob. For a fresh touch, try a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the chicken. To ensure even cooking, use a wire rack on your baking sheet. This lets hot air circulate around the chicken, cooking it evenly. Flip the pieces halfway through baking to brown all sides. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Oven-fried chicken is a delicious dish you can make at home. You start with marinated chicken in buttermilk, which keeps it juicy. Mixing the right spices in the coating gives it great taste. Remember to avoid crowding your baking sheet for the crispiest results. You can switch up the herbs or try gluten-free options for variation. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, and reheating well preserves crispiness. Enjoy your flavorful creation with tasty sides. Your kitchen can be a place of great meals!

The Best Oven Fried Chicken

Get ready to impress your family with this Crispy Herb-Infused Oven Fried Chicken recipe! With tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, this dish promises a crunchy, golden-brown finish. Perfect for any dinner table, it’s easy to make and delicious to savor. Click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and make your next meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds), cut into pieces

1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor). This tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture.

    Prepare the Coating: In a large shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the spices evenly.

      Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate the chicken for even cooking.

        Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour. Place the coated chicken onto the wire rack.

          Drizzle with Oil: Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top for extra crispiness.

            Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Flip the pieces halfway through baking for even cooking.

              Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 2 hours 45 mins | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy oven-fried chicken on a wooden platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an eye-catching display. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for an added touch!