Baked Fried Chicken: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Favorite
Baked fried chicken is a beloved dish that brings back fond memories of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house. The air would be filled with the tantalizing aroma of seasoned chicken baking in the oven, promising a meal that was both comforting and delicious. This recipe for oven-fried chicken is perfect for anyone who loves the crispy, flavorful exterior of fried chicken but prefers a healthier, oven-baked version. It’s simple to prepare and delivers that same satisfying crunch and juicy interior, making it a family favorite.
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward preparation and the flavorful coating that mimics traditional fried chicken. I remember the excitement of helping to coat the chicken in a mixture of flour, paprika, and seasoned salt, then watching as it transformed into a golden, crispy delight in the oven. This recipe allows you to recreate that experience with ease, using everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious oven-fried chicken.
Ingredients
1 pound (450g) chicken breast tenderloin strips
1 cup (240ml) milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup (120g) flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
Directions
Soak the Chicken
Place the chicken breast tenderloin strips in a bowl of milk and let them soak for 20-30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the chicken and allows the coating to adhere better.
Prepare the Coating
In a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or a large bowl, mix together the salt, seasoned salt, pepper, flour, and paprika. This will be the flavorful coating for the chicken.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butter into pieces and place it in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Put the pan in the oven to melt the butter.
Coat the Chicken
Shake the excess milk off each piece of chicken, then coat each piece thoroughly with the flour mixture. You can either shake the chicken in the Ziploc bag until well coated or dip each piece in the bowl.
Bake the Chicken
Spread the melted butter around the bottom of the pan to ensure even coverage and prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then turn each piece over and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Variations and Substitutions
Spices
Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick, or use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Gluten-Free
Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Herbs
Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the coating for an herby twist.
Why This Recipe Works
This baked fried chicken recipe is a wonderful alternative to traditional frying methods. It offers the same satisfying crunch and juicy interior without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Plus, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the seasoning to suit your preferences.
The soaking of the chicken in milk is a key step that ensures the meat stays tender and moist. The seasoned flour mixture creates a perfectly crispy coating that rivals any deep-fried chicken. Melting the butter in the baking pan not only prevents the chicken from sticking but also adds a rich flavor and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crust.
Cooking Tips
- Milk Soak: Don’t skip the milk soak. It’s crucial for tenderizing the chicken and helps the coating stick better.
- Even Coating: Ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the flour mixture for the best results. Shake off any excess flour to avoid a thick, clumpy coating.
- Butter Distribution: Spread the melted butter evenly in the baking pan to ensure all pieces of chicken get a bit of that rich, buttery flavor.
- Oven Temperature: Keep an eye on the oven temperature. Too high, and the coating might burn before the chicken is cooked through. Too low, and you won’t get that crispy exterior.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this oven-fried chicken captures the essence of a classic comfort food in a healthier, more convenient form. It’s a dish that brings people together, much like those cherished family dinners, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of this baked fried chicken, and relish the simplicity and deliciousness it brings to your table.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this baked fried chicken is sure to please. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. So next time you’re craving the comforting taste of fried chicken, try this oven-baked version and enjoy all the flavor with none of the guilt. Happy cooking!
