Baked Fried Chicken

Here is a Baked Fried Chicken recipe with full detail and clear step-by-step directions. This gives you crispy, golden chicken with a juicy inside—no deep frying needed.

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Baked Fried Chicken

Prep Time

20 minutes

Marinating Time

30 minutes (optional but recommended)

Bake Time

40–45 minutes

Total Time

About 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings

4–6

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Ingredients

Chicken

• 2½–3 lb chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Marinade

• 1 cup buttermilk
  (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Coating

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Baking

• ½ cup melted butter
  (or use cooking spray for a lighter option)

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, and black pepper.

2. Add chicken pieces and coat well.

3. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours.

4. Remove chicken from fridge 15 minutes before coating.

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Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with foil.

3. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.

4. Grease the rack generously with oil or cooking spray.

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Step 3: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow bowl, mix:

   • Flour

   • Breadcrumbs or cornflakes

   • Paprika

   • Garlic powder

   • Onion powder

   • Oregano or thyme

   • Cayenne pepper

   • Salt and black pepper

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Step 4: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.

2. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.

3. Press coating firmly onto chicken.

4. Place coated chicken on prepared rack.

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Step 5: Add Butter

1. Drizzle melted butter evenly over chicken pieces.

2. Ensure all coated areas are lightly covered for crisping.

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Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for 40–45 minutes.

2. Flip chicken halfway through baking.

3. Chicken is done when:

   • Coating is golden and crispy

   • Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

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Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Remove chicken from oven.

2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Use a wire rack to allow airflow.

• Crushed cornflakes give extra crunch.

• Spray lightly with oil before baking if needed.

• Do not overcrowd the pan.

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Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days

• Reheat in oven at 375°F to keep crispy

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Optional Variations

• Add Parmesan cheese to coating

• Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor

• Make it spicy with hot sauce in the marinade

• Gluten-free version using GF flour and cornflakes