Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Cut down on oil by making "fried" chicken in the oven. This oven-fried chicken recipe, made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, is as good as it gets.

Oven-Fried Chicken Ingredients

  • 12 chicken thighs (or any other parts like breasts, legs, wings, or drumsticks)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
  • 3 eggs
  • cup vegetable oil (or canola/olive oil)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

How to Make Oven-Fried Chicken

Follow these simple steps to make crispy, juicy oven-fried chicken:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Prepare the dredging station: Place flour in a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, place the bread crumbs. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken piece by first dipping it into the flour, then the egg, and finally the bread crumbs. Make sure each piece is fully coated.
  4. Prepare the baking dish: Pour vegetable oil into a large baking dish. Arrange the breaded chicken thighs in the dish, then sprinkle with paprika for a touch of smoky flavor.
  5. Bake the chicken: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flip the chicken pieces over and bake for another 30 minutes to ensure they are cooked evenly.
  6. Drain the chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Serve the chicken hot and enjoy the crispy, juicy texture!

What to Serve With Oven-Fried Chicken

Oven-fried chicken pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. If you're looking for more ideas, check out our collection of Classic Side Dishes for Fried Chicken.

How to Store Oven-Fried Chicken

If you have leftovers, store the oven-fried chicken in a shallow airtight or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the oven or microwave.

Community Tips and Praise

"Oh goodness, is this a delicious recipe," raves JENMI. "I just finished a piece of this chicken and it was fabulous - and I was eating cold leftovers. I used drumsticks and altered the coating a bit: I used plain bread crumbs and added garlic and red pepper flakes to the mix."

"I used Panko breadcrumbs, added my own preference of seasonings to the flour, and baked it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper," says jomom75. "It came out nicely crisp on the outside and nice and juicy on the inside, with lots of flavor."

"This is very good," says Jana Nelson Scheidler. "I line my baking dish with foil and use vegetable oil spray to keep from sticking and lower calories. Makes for easier clean-up."

Nutrition Facts

Each serving contains:

  • 310 Calories
  • 15g Fat (19% DV)
  • 18g Carbs (7% DV)
  • 24g Protein (48% DV)
  • Sodium: 296mg (13% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 126mg (42% DV)
  • Iron: 3mg (14% DV)
  • Potassium: 234mg (5% DV)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

History of Oven-Fried Chicken

Oven-fried chicken is a modern adaptation of the traditional deep-fried chicken, offering a healthier alternative with a similar crispy texture and savory flavor. The concept of "oven-fried" cooking has gained popularity as people sought ways to enjoy the flavors of fried foods without the excess oil and mess. While deep-fried chicken has deep roots in Southern cuisine and American culinary traditions, oven-fried versions emerged in the mid-20th century, spurred by the desire for a quicker and less greasy method of preparing chicken. The oven-fried method allows for the golden, crunchy exterior associated with fried chicken, while using a fraction of the oil, making it a popular choice for home cooks.

Regional Variations and Popularity

Although oven-fried chicken is beloved across the United States, regional variations exist depending on local ingredients and cultural influences. In the Southern United States, for example, oven-fried chicken is often seasoned with a blend of spices like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, giving it a distinctive heat and depth of flavor. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, such as the Midwest, oven-fried chicken is frequently paired with milder seasonings like thyme or rosemary, allowing the natural flavor of the chicken to shine through. This flexibility has helped oven-fried chicken become a widely enjoyed dish in many homes, especially for family dinners or weeknight meals.

How It Differs from Traditional Fried Chicken

Oven-fried chicken offers several key differences when compared to traditional deep-fried chicken. The most notable difference is the cooking method: while traditional fried chicken is cooked by submerging the chicken in hot oil, oven-fried chicken is baked in the oven after being coated in flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. This difference in preparation results in a dish that is less greasy and often lower in calories, while still retaining a crispy exterior. Additionally, oven-fried chicken typically requires less hands-on time and attention, as it does not involve dealing with hot oil or flipping the chicken in a frying pan.

Where is Oven-Fried Chicken Typically Served?

Oven-fried chicken is often served as a hearty main course for family meals, weekend gatherings, or casual dinners. It's a popular choice for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks due to its easy-to-serve nature and satisfying crunch. This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with crispy breading makes it a favorite in households that prefer a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken without sacrificing flavor.

Interesting Facts about Oven-Fried Chicken

One interesting fact about oven-fried chicken is that it can be made even healthier by using alternative cooking methods or substituting certain ingredients. For instance, some home cooks opt for using a non-stick spray instead of oil to further reduce fat content, or they may experiment with whole-wheat breadcrumbs to add more fiber. Furthermore, adding a variety of seasonings such as garlic, onion powder, or even hot sauce to the flour and breadcrumbs allows for creative variations that can cater to different tastes. Another fun fact is that oven-fried chicken can actually be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing busy cooks to enjoy it even on hectic days. Simply reheat in the oven for that crispy texture to be revived!

FAQ about Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe

Yes, while the recipe calls for chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts, legs, wings, or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thinner cuts may cook faster.

Store leftover oven-fried chicken in a shallow, airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the oven to maintain its crispiness.

Yes, you can freeze the oven-fried chicken. After it has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat directly from the freezer in the oven for the best results.

To make the chicken crispier, you can increase the oven temperature for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, or you can spray the chicken with a bit of cooking spray before baking. Using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular bread crumbs can also give it extra crunch.

Yes, while the recipe calls for vegetable oil, you can use other oils such as canola or olive oil. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the oil may slightly affect the taste of the chicken.

Absolutely! You can add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any of your favorite spices to the flour or breadcrumbs to customize the flavor. Some people also add hot sauce to the egg wash for a kick.

If you don't have bread crumbs, you can substitute them with crushed crackers, cornflakes, or even oats for a different texture. Just ensure they are finely crushed so they adhere well to the chicken.

If the coating isn't sticking, make sure you're thoroughly patting the chicken dry before breading. You can also let the breaded chicken rest for about 15 minutes before baking to help the coating set better. Additionally, make sure you're shaking off the excess flour and egg mixture before dipping into the breadcrumbs.

Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but be sure to reduce the cooking time to avoid drying out the meat. Boneless chicken will cook faster, so check for doneness a bit earlier.

To reheat and keep the chicken crispy, place it on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.

Comments

turnuson2

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I find this easy - use a large freezer bag for the flour (and salt and pepper), shake and remove the floured chicken and re-use same bag for the bread crumb coating (why use two bags?). I also left the coated chicken in the fridge for a while before placing into the glass roasting pan with the oil already heated. The finished coating is similar in texture to original recipe KFC, which is to my liking (chewy-crispy) but can easily be made more crispy by cranking the heat up for the last 5 min or so.

SHOGAN80

09/05/2003 04:17:46 AM

This recipe was really easy, and very good considering it was baked. I had too much chicken to put in one pan so I decided to do a little test and pan fry the rest of it the traditional way. The oven fried was better overall; it required less "work" because you only had to flip it once and didn't have to "watch" it and oil didn't pop out and burn me (as usual). I think the key to keeping the coating on is making sure you pat dry the chicken first, coat well with the flour, shaking off the excess, quickly drudging it though the egg, which I added about 4 tablespoons of standard hot sauce to my egg mixture just to give it a little kick, and then really roll it around in the bread crumbs to get a nice even coat. I added lemmon pepper seasoning after the chicken was in the pan right before it went into the oven and it really was delish. Will do this again for sure!!

Lee N.

02/07/2007 06:50:24 AM

My family loves this recipe. I make it with chicken drumsticks instead of thighs and the only change I make is spraying the pan with Pam instead of oil. We've tried this recipe several times and they are ALWAYS cooked in the alloted time and are ALWAYS moist and yummy. We even fight over the leftovers.

Michelle

03/14/2006 07:47:09 AM

A nice recipe for "Fried" Chicken, it was crisp, delecious, great flavor, and the only thing I changed was using Pam instead of the half cup of olive oil. You don't need a lot of it, just a light spray. Will definitely be making this again.

Adrienne C

11/13/2002 03:48:11 PM

Easy, no-fuss fried chicken. The first batch I made was delicious and the family raved about it. I used baggies for the breading for easy cleanup. I also let the breading "rest" for fifteen minutes before putting the chicken in the oven, so the coating stayed on well and turned out nice and crisp. Will definitely make this again!

huntclan

02/01/2011 04:38:14 PM

Wonderful. I used breasts and legs. Modified the spices to include garlic & onion powder with the Italian bread crumbs. Kinda did a little bit of everything everyone else suggested. 2 bags (1 for flour, salt & pepper and 1 for bread crumbs & remaining spices). Added milk to the egg dip. Let the breaded chicken stand a couple hours before putting it in a heated 9 x 13 pan with 4 tablespoons of butter. Baked 350, flipped, baked another 350. Turned out moist, crisp, and delicious.

jherchuk

11/16/2022 07:04:39 PM

Excellent recipe - delicious, moist chicken that was just as good cold as it was out of the oven. I used Italian seasoned Panko crumbs. I eliminated the oil by spraying parchment paper with a non-stick spray, so it was even healthier! This is a keeper for sure.

Amanda33

01/10/2024 01:51:26 PM

This was pretty good, I would make it again but with changes. I liked the ease of it crisping up in the oven, but it definitely needs more spices! Was bland :( and if you use any boneless chicken, you will want to reduce the cooking time or it will be too dry. I baked 2 large boneless skinless breasts & 3 legs for 55 minutes and the breasts were dry.

katyk

08/15/2021 12:48:57 AM

This was so good! I did add onion and garlic powder to the flour and Parmesan to the bread crumbs. Next time I think I’ll split the thoughts up into two pans. It definitely took longer because my pan was crowded.

GiftedZiti5812

08/29/2024 06:36:56 PM

I backed in a pre-heated cast iron pan. Worked great. Made a half recipe with one egg, mayonnaise, and pickle juice for the coating between the flour and crumbs.

SilverDough3355

11/25/2024 12:13:13 AM

Wow so good, I added my seasoning to the flour and the chicken marinade (lots of salt, pepper, paprika and garlic). Also, added a four step for crunchiness, dredged the chickens in the flour again after the breadcrumbs. It came out amazing!

LushBay8951

08/26/2025 04:11:21 AM

It was delicious. Very moist

Diana

07/18/2025 03:31:00 AM

Excellent best oven baked fried chicken recipe ever. Taste just like fried chicken. I used panko and it was so crispy and delicious. I also cooked it in cast iron which I think helped with crispiness. I added all my spices into the flour

Catherine Torres

04/15/2025 12:29:03 AM

Simple ingredients, amazing result.

Michelle Martin

04/08/2025 11:17:10 PM

Wow, this recipe is incredible!

Nora von Enchilada

04/04/2025 08:34:26 PM

It was very tender and crispy but this has absolutely no flavor. I would suggest this method but maybe looking at other recipes for better seasoning

DDChatwin Deuel

03/28/2025 12:21:45 AM

Love it

NimbleGrape5220

03/23/2025 10:27:46 PM

Marinated chicken is Italian dressing only because I always do for almost any oven chicken recipe. Love this method!! Winner winner…you know the he rest ;)

Auntylene

03/11/2025 05:13:08 AM

This was delicious. I didn’t have seasoned bread crumbs so I added basil, oregano, thyme, garlic salt, onion salt and pepper to the bread crumbs. Delicious chicken and super easy to put together.

IcyMead1734

03/04/2025 09:24:18 PM

Great recipe 😋❣️ I added more seasonings. Will try again soon 😃