Perfectly Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken

The aroma of freshly fried chicken can be tantalizing, but the calorie count and cooking time often deter home cooks from attempting it frequently. With this oven-fried chicken recipe, you get the crispy exterior and succulent meat without having to deal with the mess or lengthy fry process.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Paprika, for dusting the chicken pieces
• Olive oil or cooking spray, for brushing the chicken
• Lemon wedges and extra seasoning to serve

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). While it heats up, prepare a marinade for your chicken. Combine flour, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken breasts through this mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Brush or spray olive oil on both sides of the chicken. Once brushed, place them on an oven-safe dish or baking sheet, sprinkle with paprika for added color and flavor. Place the dish in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 25 minutes.

After this period, open your oven carefully to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If not, continue cooking until it does. Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges and extra salt or pepper as desired.

Why This Recipe?

This dish is a favorite in many households due to its simplicity yet satisfying result. Oven frying not only saves on time but also adds health benefits by reducing the amount of oil used compared to deep-frying. The perfect balance between crispy and juicy makes it a delightful meal for any occasion.

How to Make It Your Own

1. Add flavor: Experiment with different spices like paprika, chili powder, or even dried oregano and thyme. Each addition can transform the dish into something truly special.
2. Choose your serving style: Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad to complement the richness of the chicken.
3. Vary preparation methods: Try baking this recipe on a sheet tray instead of using an oven-safe dish for an alternative texture and flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

The number of servings in this recipe is typically 4. Each serving contains approximately 375 calories, including about 18 grams of protein from the chicken breasts and a small amount of saturated fats from the olive oil used for brushing.

Health Benefits

Oven-fried chicken can be considered a healthier alternative to deep-fried options. By reducing the oil quantity, you minimize the calorie intake without sacrificing flavor or texture significantly. This dish also provides essential nutrients like lean protein, vitamins from the lemon, and dietary fiber if served with vegetables.

Storage Tips

• Cooked chicken: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions within the same timeframe. Thaw frozen pieces slowly in the fridge before reheating.
• Fresh ingredients: Keep unused flour and spices in their original containers at room temperature away from direct sunlight or moisture sources.

This oven-fried chicken recipe is an easy yet impressive dish that can turn any ordinary weeknight into a memorable meal. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner solution after work or planning a special dinner party, this versatile dish offers flexibility and appeal to all palates.