Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without sacrificing flavor or crispiness? This baked fried chicken recipe gives you all the crunch and juiciness of fried chicken, but with far less oil and effort. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a family gathering, this dish offers all the flavor and texture you crave without the deep-frying mess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier option without compromising on flavor
Easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights
Crispy texture thanks to the seasoned flour coating
Moist and tender chicken inside
Great for meal prep or large gatherings
Budget-friendly and uses common pantry ingredients

Ingredients Breakdown:

Chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds
– Provides lean protein and manageable portion sizes.

Coating:

1 cup all-purpose flour
– Forms the crisp outer layer.
1/2 tsp salt
– Enhances flavor.
1 tbsp seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s)
– Adds a blend of spices and deeper savory notes.
3/4 tsp pepper
– Adds mild heat.
2 tsp paprika
– Contributes color and smoky flavor.

Other:

1/2 stick butter (1/4 cup)
– Helps crisp and flavor the bottom of each piece while baking.
Buttermilk
– Tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour coating adhere.

Tips and Tricks

Buttermilk is key for tenderizing the chicken and ensuring a crispy finish. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk and vinegar (1 cup of milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar).
For an even crispier texture, spray the chicken with a light coating of cooking spray before baking.
Rest the chicken for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb-flavored Chicken: Mix in dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the flour for extra flavor.
Parmesan Chicken: For a cheesy twist, add grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this baked fried chicken with:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic meal.
- A side of steamed broccoli or coleslaw for a balanced dish.
- Corn on the cob or a light green salad to complement the meal.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftover baked fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freeze: You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.

Baked Fried Chicken

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Baked “Fried” Chicken – Crispy, golden, and juicy—just like fried chicken but oven-baked! Buttermilk-soaked, seasoned, and baked in butter for maximum flavor

Ingredients

Scale

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)
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 stick butter (1/4 cup)
Buttermilk (enough to soak the chicken)

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Chicken

Place the chicken strips in buttermilk and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken while ensuring a crispier coating.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F and allow it to preheat fully.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

In a large Ziploc bag or bowl, combine:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan

Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and melt it in the oven while it’s preheating. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom with the melted butter.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess liquid.
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip each piece of chicken over and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.

Notes

You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference. Add garlic powder or onion powder for more depth of flavor.
If you prefer a crispier crust, try brushing the chicken pieces with more butter halfway through baking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American