Baked Fried Chicken

Introduction

Every time I make this Baked Fried Chicken, it reminds me of the Sunday dinners I cherished with my family. Growing up, we would sit around the dinner table, the aroma of something delightful wafting through the kitchen, drawing us together. Baked Fried Chicken holds a special place in my heart, and I think it will in yours too, once you try it! It’s more than just a dish; it’s comfort, warmth, and love all rolled into one crispy, juicy mouthful. As women living in our golden years, we have a wealth of experiences gathered at our kitchen tables. I am sure you can relate to the joy of cooking a recipe that brings everyone together. So roll up your sleeves and join me in making this memorable dish – your loved ones will thank you, and I have no doubt you will find the process as fulfilling as the result!

How to Make Baked Fried Chicken

Ingredients

Start off by gathering these simple ingredients that will turn your kitchen into a haven of flavors. Below is a table presenting everything you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:

Ingredients	Amount
Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts)	4 pieces
Buttermilk	1 cup
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Salt	1 tsp
Black pepper	1 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Garlic powder	1/2 tsp
Onion powder	1/2 tsp
Cooking spray or melted butter	as needed

Now, when it comes to the ingredients, buttermilk is a true star! It’s what makes the chicken tender and flavorful. I simply adore adding fresh herbs like rosemary—it makes the chicken smell and taste amazing! If you want to get creative, you can even try different spices in the flour coating to match your taste.

Cooking Steps

Let’s dive into the cooking! Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful masterpiece.

1. Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat the oven to a nice, warm 400°F. Trust me, this is key for that crispy skin you’ll love!

2. Soak the Chicken

In a large bowl, soak your chicken pieces in buttermilk. I recommend letting them sit for at least an hour, or ideally, overnight if you can. This time allows the chicken to truly absorb the buttermilk flavor—yum!

3. Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is soaking, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in another bowl. This spice blend is going to give depth to the chicken’s flavor—it’s an absolute game changer!

4. Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken has soaked, take it out and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Then, dredge each piece in your seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every inch is coated. I like to give it a little shake to remove excess flour.

5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Next, place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spacing them apart a bit allows for even cooking and helps avoid steaming—crispy is the goal here, right?

6. Add Some Flavor

Now, this is where you can really make it your own! If you want that extra crisp, give the chicken a light spray of cooking spray or brush melted butter over the top. Oh, the flavor!

7. Bake the Chicken

Pop that baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen! Bake for about 30-40 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through for even browning. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer if you have one!

8. Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes. It allows the juices to redistribute, and you want that juicy bite!

Why I Love Making This Dish

What makes this Baked Fried Chicken so special to me is not just the flavors but the memories tied to it. I remember making this dish for family gatherings, everyone would gather around the kitchen, laughter filling the air, and the table would be overflowing with side dishes. It brings smiles to everyone’s faces, and nothing beats that satisfying crunch when you take that first bite!

What You’ll Need

In terms of tools, you’ll need:

• A large bowl for soaking the chicken.
• Another bowl for mixing the flour and spices.
• Parchment paper for easy clean-up.
• A baking sheet for cooking, and maybe a meat thermometer if you’re feeling fancy!

Take a moment to gather everything before you start. It makes the process smoother, and you’ll find you can enjoy cooking even more.

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that we’ve gone through the steps, let me share some personal tricks to ensure your chicken turns out perfect every time:

• For extra crunch: Add a touch of baking powder to the flour mixture to create a lighter texture.
• More flavor: Marinating the chicken overnight truly elevates the taste.
• Experimenting: Don’t shy away from adding different spices or even some hot sauce to the buttermilk for some kick!

Serving Suggestions and Sides

When serving your Baked Fried Chicken, I always like to pair it with traditional sides for a hearty meal. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery, they pair perfectly with the crispy chicken.
• Coleslaw: The crunch and tanginess of coleslaw balance the richness of fried chicken, making it a hit!
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a summer classic that everyone loves.

You can also serve it with your favorite dipping sauces. My kids enjoy ranch or honey mustard, while I love a good homemade honey glaze!

Leftovers

Now, should you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them. Let the chicken cool completely, then put it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the skin crispy while warming up the chicken inside. You may be surprised, but we often enjoyed the leftovers just as much as the first day!

FAQ Section

Let’s address some common questions I get about making Baked Fried Chicken.

Can I use boneless chicken?

You can use boneless, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and bone-in is always juicier! The bones help keep the chicken moist, bringing you that delicious bite every time.

How can I make it spicier?

Absolutely! If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or mix in your favorite hot sauce into the buttermilk.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, you can. If you want to prep for dinner, soak the chicken in buttermilk earlier in the day and coat it right before baking.

Conclusion

Baked Fried Chicken has become a cherished favorite in my home, and I’m so excited for you to try it. The joy of making this dish is only matched by the happiness it brings to those around you. I know your family will love it as much as mine does. Give it a go and let me know how it turns out! Share your stories—whether your kids ask for seconds or your friends rave over the recipe, I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy cooking!