Do you love fried chicken but want something healthier? Then, crispy baked chicken is perfect for you. It tastes just as good, but is healthy for your body. This recipe is simple, quick, and great for dinner any night of the week. Even kids love it! In this blog we will get detailed recipes and tips that will make your recipe delicious and healthy.
Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious dish at home.
Why Baked Chicken?
Fried chicken is tasty, but it comes with a lot of oil and calories. Baking is a great way to enjoy crispy chicken without deep frying. You still get that golden crunch on the outside, but it’s much lighter and easier to digest. It’s too tasty and healthy.
Ingredients You Will Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy things. Here’s what you need for this recipe:
- 4 chicken drumsticks or thighs (bone-in and skin-on for best flavor)
- 1 cup of buttermilk (or make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk)
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko is best for extra crunch)
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (adds color and a little spice)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Optional:
- A pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy
- Dried herbs like oregano or thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the chicken.
Place the chicken in a bowl. Cover it with the buttermilk. Season with salt and pepper. Give it a half-hour to soak. Let it sit in the refrigerator for two to three hours if you have more time. The chicken becomes tender and juicy after this step.
Step 2: Get the coating ready
Take a shallow bowl. Combine the breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and flour. Here, you can also add your preferred dried herbs.
Step 3: Coat the chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk. Allow the excess to fall off. After that, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. To ensure the crumbs adhere well, gently press. Arrange the coated chicken on a parchment paper or foil-lined baking tray.
Step 4: Spray or Brush with Oil
To make the chicken crispy, spray some cooking oil over it. You can also brush a little olive oil on top. This helps it turn golden brown in the oven.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tray in the middle rack. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Flip the chicken once halfway through. When the skin looks crispy and the inside is fully cooked, it’s ready! The inside temperature should be 165°F.
Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken
- Go for panko breadcrumbs.
If you want that extra crunch, panko is the way to go. It’s lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs and makes a big difference. - Don’t forget the oil spray.
A quick spray or light brush of oil helps the chicken get that golden, crispy outside. It’s a small step, but it really matters. - Give the chicken space.
Spread the pieces out on the tray. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Let the hot air do its job! - Use a wire rack if you can.
Placing the chicken on a rack (set over a baking sheet) helps air flow all around it. That means even cooking and crispy bottoms—not soggy ones.
What to Serve with Crispy Baked Chicken
This chicken goes well with many sides. Here are a few tasty options:
- Seafood mushroom soup
- Roasted veggies (like carrots, broccoli, or green beans)
- Corn on the cob
- Mac and cheese
- A fresh garden salad
You can also dip the chicken in sauces. Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing all work well.
If you want to know how to make seafood mushroom soup or enoki mushroom soup then here is the full recipe that will be a great pairing for crispy baked chicken.
