Baked Fried Chicken

Introduction

Baked Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic fried chicken. Instead of frying in oil, we bake the chicken, making it a little healthier while still keeping that crispy outside and juicy inside we all love. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, picnics, or simply a cozy night at home.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Baked Fried Chicken is a great idea because it’s not only simple and quick but also much healthier than traditional fried chicken. You get all the flavors you crave without the extra oil. Plus, it’s a fun dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings!

How to Make Baked Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into thirds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon seasoned salt (I use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt)
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 stick butter (or 1/4 cup)
Buttermilk
1 gallon-size Ziploc bag (optional)

Directions:

Soak the Chicken: Start by placing your thawed chicken strips in a bowl of buttermilk. Cover the bowl and let it soak in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This helps make the chicken tender and flavorful.
Preheat the Oven: While the chicken is soaking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix the Coating: In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, seasoned salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix them thoroughly until well blended.
Melt the Butter: Cut the half stick of butter into a few pieces and place them in a 9 x 13-inch pan. Put the pan in the preheated oven to melt the butter.
Prepare the Pan: Once the butter is melted, spread it around the bottom of the pan. If you want, you can lightly spray the pan with cooking spray to ensure there are no dry spots.
Coat the Chicken: Shake off any excess buttermilk from the chicken pieces. Place the chicken in the bag with the flour mixture and shake until fully coated. If you didn’t use a bag, dip each piece in the flour mixture in the bowl.
Bake the Chicken: Place each coated piece of chicken in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn each piece over and bake for another 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.

How to Serve Baked Fried Chicken

Baked Fried Chicken can be served with various sides. You can pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Don’t forget to have some dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ sauce on the side for extra flavor.

How to Store Baked Fried Chicken

Store any leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well.

Tips to Make Baked Fried Chicken

Make sure to soak the chicken in buttermilk; this helps keep it moist.
Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s doneness.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices for a unique flavor.

Variation (If Any)

You can change it up by adding different spices or herbs to the flour mixture, like garlic powder or Italian seasoning, for a twist on the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on chicken? Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but it will add extra calories. Adjust cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Can I cook this chicken in an air fryer? Yes, you can! Preheat the air fryer and cook at 380 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.