Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Oven Fried Chicken delivers all the crunch and flavor of classic fried chicken—without the deep fryer. Baked to golden perfection with a seasoned, crunchy coating, this healthier alternative is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, picnics, or Sunday suppers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts)buttermilk or milk + lemon juiceeggsall-purpose flourcornflakes or panko breadcrumbs (crushed)paprikagarlic powderonion powdersaltblack peppercayenne pepper (optional)cooking spray or melted butter

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and lightly grease it.

In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.

In another bowl, combine flour, crushed cornflakes or panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Dip chicken pieces into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.

Place coated chicken on the wire rack. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with melted butter.

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C), flipping once for even crisping.

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 40–50 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Add Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist.

Use hot sauce in the buttermilk for spicy flavor.

Swap cornflakes with crushed Ritz crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs.

Make boneless tenders for faster cooking and kid-friendly servings.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer to restore crispiness.Not recommended for freezing once baked, but you can freeze coated raw chicken before baking.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, adjust cooking time—tenders take about 20–25 minutes.

Is this really crispy?

Yes! The rack allows air to circulate and the coating crisps up beautifully.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

A short soak in buttermilk adds flavor and tenderness, but it’s not essential.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a gluten-free blend works well in place of regular flour.

Do I have to flip the chicken?

Flipping ensures even browning and crispness on both sides.

Conclusion

Crispy Oven Fried Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy the irresistible crunch of fried chicken with less oil and hassle. With its juicy interior and golden crust, it’s sure to become a go-to comfort food that’s both easy and satisfying.