Ingredients:
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s)
¾ teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
½ stick butter (¼ cup)
Buttermilk
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken strips in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the Coating:
In a large Ziploc bag or mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, seasoned salt, pepper, and paprika.
Melt the Butter:
Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking pan and heat it in the preheated oven until melted. Swirl the butter to evenly coat the pan.
Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Bake the Chicken:
Arrange the chicken strips in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
Serve warm and enjoy your crispy, oven-baked fried chicken!
Variations
Seasoning Options
Spicy Kick:
Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy twist.
Herb-Infused:
Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for added flavor.
Cheesy Coating:
Incorporate ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for a savory, cheesy crust.
Coating Variations
Panko Crust:
For extra crispiness, mix equal parts panko breadcrumbs and the flour mixture.
Cornmeal Blend:
Substitute half the flour with cornmeal for a slightly crunchy and textured coating.
Gluten-Free:
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Cooking Methods
Air Fryer:
Cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Grill Option:
Marinate the chicken in buttermilk, season, and grill instead of baking for a lighter version.
Serving Variations
Classic Southern Style:
Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread for a traditional meal.
Buffalo Style:
Toss the baked chicken in your favorite buffalo sauce before serving.
Asian-Inspired:
Drizzle with teriyaki or sweet chili sauce and serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
Tips
Preparation Tips
Buttermilk Marination:
For maximum tenderness and flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for up to 4 hours or overnight.
Even Coating:
Shake off excess flour before baking to prevent clumps and ensure an even crust.
Cooking Tips
Check Internal Temperature:
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 170°F for safe consumption.
Prevent Soggy Coating:
Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow air circulation and crispier chicken.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
These variations and tips ensure a delicious and customizable baked fried chicken meal every time!
Enjoy!