Delicious Oven-Fried Chicken

Oven-fried chicken is a delightful alternative to deep-frying that guarantees crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal oil use. Perfect for those days when you want to enjoy some comfort food without the heaviness of frying. This recipe serves four people, providing an ample meal that can be paired with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients for Oven-Fried Chicken

1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces (legs, thighs, wings)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup of flour
2 tablespoons paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Olive oil or vegetable spray for greasing the pan
Optional: lemon slices and fresh parsley for garnishing (optional but recommended)

Instructions for Oven-Fried Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Generously coat the bottom of a large baking pan with olive oil or spray it evenly with vegetable spray.
Season chicken pieces liberally with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring that each piece has been thoroughly seasoned. Then mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish until well combined. Set aside the mixture.
Dip each piece of chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, coating them evenly but not excessively; shake off any excess flour before placing it on your baking pan. Make sure there is enough space between pieces so they do not touch while cooking.
Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. To check if the chicken has reached its internal temperature, insert a meat thermometer into one of the thicker parts like the thigh or leg; it should read at least 165°Fahrenheit.
If you would like to add some extra flavor before serving, sprinkle lemon slices and fresh chopped parsley over the top while still hot from the oven. Serve immediately.

Why Choose This Recipe?

The taste of this oven-fried chicken is nothing short of delicious! With crispy skin and succulent meat inside, every bite offers a balance of flavors that will satisfy any palate. The seasoning used in coating the chicken adds depth to its natural taste without overwhelming it. Plus, making oven-fried chicken allows you to enjoy your favorite meal while keeping calories lower compared to fried versions.

This dish is versatile enough for various occasions—from casual weeknight dinners to special holiday gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, or even just some steamed broccoli. If you have leftovers, they make great lunches packed into containers for work or school.

For those looking to reduce their kitchen waste and maximize ingredient use, this recipe also lends itself well to creating other meals. For example, any remaining chicken can be shredded and used in salads, sandwiches, tacos, or stir-fries later on during the week.

Tips for Success

Ensure even cooking: Space out the pieces of chicken on the baking sheet so that they cook evenly. This helps prevent undercooked or overcooked sections within your meal.
Don’t overcrowd: Avoid putting too many pieces together; otherwise, you risk having them not brown properly due to lack of airflow around each piece.
Use a meat thermometer: Always verify the internal temperature before removing from oven. Overcooking can result in dry chicken, which is less enjoyable.

Clean Up Made Easy!

Cleaning up after cooking this dish is relatively straightforward thanks to the non-stick properties of most baking pans these days. Simply wipe down the surface with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly once done eating. If there are stubborn residues left behind, apply a bit more elbow grease or use mild dishwasher detergent if applicable.

Oven-fried chicken remains one of those comforting yet healthy meals that everyone loves. Its simplicity combined with versatility makes it an excellent choice for busy days when you need something quick but still impressive enough to impress guests or family members alike. Try out this recipe today and experience the joy of crispy, delicious oven-fried chicken at home!