Southern Oven-Fried Chicken

Southern Oven-Fried Chicken is a comforting dish that brings the taste of the South to your dinner table. It’s crispy, juicy, and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With less oil than traditional frying methods, this recipe gives you all the flavor without the guilt.

Why make this recipe?

Making Southern Oven-Fried Chicken means you can enjoy the delicious crunch of fried chicken without the mess and hassle of frying. This recipe also uses buttermilk to tenderize the chicken and adds a superb flavor. Plus, it’s healthier since it’s cooked in the oven!

How to prepare Southern Oven-Fried Chicken

Preparing Southern Oven-Fried Chicken is simple and requires a few basic ingredients. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken pieces (thighs, legs, or breasts) 🍗
• 1 cup buttermilk 🥛
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🧂
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 🌶️
• Cooking spray or oil 🥄

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for best results). This helps to tenderize the meat.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together.
4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is coated well.
5. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle with oil to help with crisping.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
7. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to serve Southern Oven-Fried Chicken

Serve your delicious Southern Oven-Fried Chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. Add a slice of watermelon for a refreshing touch, and don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce!

How to store Southern Oven-Fried Chicken

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again.

Tips for preparing Southern Oven-Fried Chicken

• For a crispier texture, double-dip your chicken by soaking it in buttermilk again after the first flour coating and then dusting it with flour a second time.
• Experiment with spices! Add herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique twist.
• Let the chicken rest after baking for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.

Variations

• Spicy version: Add more cayenne pepper or try some hot sauce in the buttermilk for an extra kick!
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Herb-infused chicken: Add dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
   Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but they may need to bake for a shorter time.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance, coat it with the flour mixture, and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

3. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
   You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Enjoy your Southern Oven-Fried Chicken as a delightful treat everyone will love! 🥰