If you have ever dreamed of enjoying crispy, flavorful fried chicken without all the mess and guilt of deep frying, your wish is about to come true. This Baked Fried Chicken Recipe delivers that golden-crisp crust we all crave while keeping the process simple and the kitchen oil-free. Marinated in tangy buttermilk, seasoned with a smoky paprika blend, and finished with melted butter for perfect browning, this chicken is irresistibly juicy on the inside and satisfyingly crunchy outside. Get ready for a dish that’s both comforting and impressively easy to make anytime you want that classic homemade fried chicken experience!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step toward creating this delicious Baked Fried Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the tenderizing power of buttermilk to the aromatic spices that build the perfect crust.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choosing even pieces helps ensure they cook uniformly and quickly, so everything’s juicy.
- 3 cups buttermilk: This tangy marinade tenderizes the chicken while adding subtle richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the crispy coating that so nicely mimics fried chicken’s crunch.
- 1 tbsp ground paprika: Adds a gentle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the crust.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning (such as Lawry’s): This blend delivers a balanced savory punch enhancing every bite.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper: For just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Brushed onto the parchment to promote golden, crispy edges and add a rich buttery finish.
- ¼ cup fresh flat leaf parsley (optional): Offers a fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten up the dish visually and with a touch of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Baked Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts lengthwise to create four even, thinner pieces. This step helps them cook quickly and evenly, so you avoid dry edges or undercooked centers and get that perfect tender bite every time.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover them with the buttermilk. Let them soak for about 20 minutes. This marshmallow-like soak tenderizes the chicken beautifully and develops a milder tang that cuts through the richness of that crust.
Step 3: Mix the Coating
While the chicken marinates, combine your flour, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This spice blend is what transforms the flour into a crispy, flavorful outer shell that makes this Baked Fried Chicken Recipe unforgettable.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to a hot 400ºF. Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and brush the bottom with melted butter, ensuring every bite gets some golden, buttery goodness as it bakes.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, blot off excess moisture with paper towels (this helps the coating stick), then dip it into the seasoned flour blend. Thoroughly coat both sides before placing on the parchment-lined pan with some space between each piece so they can crisp up beautifully.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Remember to flip the chicken halfway through around 20 minutes into baking. This step is crucial for even browning and to achieve that perfect crunch that defines this Baked Fried Chicken Recipe.
Step 7: Serve with a Sprinkle of Parsley
Once the chicken is beautifully golden, the juices run clear, and the crust is crisp to your liking, take it out of the oven. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh aroma before digging in.
How to Serve Baked Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate the whole plate. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley to introduce a lively green contrast that complements the rich, golden brown crust. For an extra touch, add lemon wedges to brighten the flavor with a squeeze of citrus right before eating.
Side Dishes
This Baked Fried Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a Southern-style meal, coleslaw or buttery cornbread offers perfect texture and taste contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your baked fried chicken on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of dipping sauces—think honey mustard, spicy aioli, or smoky barbecue—from which everyone can sample. Layering with pickled vegetables also adds a delightful tangy crunch that beautifully cuts through the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover baked fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered well helps preserve that crispy crust and juicy interior.
Freezing
If you want to save for longer, freeze the cooked chicken pieces individually wrapped in parchment or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This method keeps the crust intact and the chicken tender for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your baked fried chicken in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures the crust crisps back up nicely without drying out the meat—much better than the microwave, which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in pieces will take longer to bake, so increase the cooking time and check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165ºF internally.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and confirm your seasonings are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare the coating ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix all the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container for a week. This makes it super convenient to whip up the dish quickly whenever you have a craving.
How can I get the crust even crispier?
For extra crispiness, consider adding a small amount of cornstarch to the flour mixture or brushing the coated chicken lightly with additional melted butter before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Fried Chicken Recipe is a shining example that fried chicken doesn’t always have to be deep-fried to be delicious and crispy. It’s comfort food elevated with simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a no-fuss approach that anyone can master. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every crispy, tender bite with the ones you love!
Print
Baked Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Fried Chicken recipe offers a crispy, golden crust and juicy interior without the use of deep frying. Marinated in buttermilk, coated with a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, and baked in butter for a healthier twist on traditional fried chicken, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner with half the grease and all the deliciousness.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 portions)
- 3 cups buttermilk
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning (such as Lawry’s)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Finishing
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, ½ stick)
- ¼ cup fresh flat leaf parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create four thinner and even chicken portions for quicker, even cooking.
- Marinate: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for about 20 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ground paprika, all-purpose seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the spices evenly.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and allow it to fully preheat.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the butter and pour it over the parchment paper, coating the bottom to help the chicken crisp during baking.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk and gently blot each portion with a paper towel to remove excess liquid. Dip each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, coating both sides thoroughly, then place them spaced apart on the butter-coated sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through at 20 minutes. Bake until the breading turns golden brown and the juices run clear.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, transfer to a serving platter, and optionally garnish with fresh flat leaf parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your crisp, tender baked fried chicken.
Notes
- Cutting the chicken breasts in half helps them cook evenly and faster.
- Blotting the chicken before coating prevents soggy breading and ensures crispiness.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through baking promotes even browning on both sides.
- Using melted butter on the pan mimics the flavor and texture of frying without the extra oil.
- Optional parsley garnish adds freshness and color to the dish.
