Baked Fried Chicken

If you’re craving the comforting taste of fried chicken without the guilt of deep frying, then this Baked Fried Chicken is just the recipe for you. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite, providing the same crispy and flavorful experience with a healthier baking method. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Fried Chicken is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly tasty. You’ll love the juicy, tender chicken encased in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating. Plus, this version is lighter than traditional fried chicken, so you can indulge without the extra calories. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to tweak the seasoning to suit your taste.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• 9 x 13-inch baking pan
• Gallon-size Ziploc bag (optional)
• Oven
• Cooking spray (optional)

Ingredients

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s Seasoned Salt)
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 stick butter (or 1/4 cup)
• Buttermilk

Instructions

1. Place the thawed chicken strips in a bowl of buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or a bowl, combine flour, salt, seasoned salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly.
4. Cut the butter into a few pieces and place them in a 9 x 13-inch pan. Melt the butter in the preheated oven.
5. Spread the melted butter around the bottom of the pan. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray if needed to ensure there are no dry spots.
6. Shake off the excess buttermilk from the chicken and coat each piece completely in the flour mixture. You can either shake each piece in the bag or dip each piece in the bowl until coated.
7. Place each piece of chicken in the preheated pan.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn each piece over and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 170 degrees F).

Tips for Success

• Ensure your chicken is evenly coated for the best crunch.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps the chicken bake evenly.
• Adjust seasonings to your preference, adding more spices if desired.

Additional Tips and Variations

For an extra flavor kick, try adding garlic powder or swapping out the seasoned salt for a blend that includes thyme and garlic. If you find garlic butter Ritz crackers, use them for the coating for a unique twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This recipe is a lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken, offering fewer calories and less fat. Nutritional content will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces? Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time to ensure they are cooked through.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can substitute with a mixture of milk and a bit of lemon juice or vinegar.

Conclusion

Give this Baked Fried Chicken a try and enjoy a healthier take on a beloved classic. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so feel free to share your experiences and any creative twists you add. Happy cooking!