This classic oven-fried chicken recipe captures the comfort and crunch of traditional fried chicken without the deep frying. It’s seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and baked to golden perfection. With its buttery crust and crispy texture, it’s a beloved dinner choice for family meals or Sunday suppers. This version of “fried” chicken has been a go-to for busy cooks seeking hearty Southern flavor with a healthier twist.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup butter (⅔ stick )
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp dried marjoram (optional)
- 3-4 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, etc.)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place butter in a large baking pan and melt in the oven while it preheats.
Step 2: Prepare Flour Mixture
- In a large paper sack or bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic salt, and marjoram.
Step 3: Coat Chicken
- Roll chicken pieces in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Dip each piece in the melted butter and vegetable oil, then roll again in the flour mixture.
Step 4: Bake
- Place chicken skin-side down in the buttered baking pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Turn chicken over and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the crust begins to brown and crisp.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot or cold.
- Best texture if chicken is not refrigerated before eating.
Tips
- Use bone-in chicken pieces for the best texture, as the original recipe indicates.
- For extra crispiness, place the chicken on a metal rack over the pan.
- Swap paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper, modern flavor.
- Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix for a spicier version.
- Replace some butter with neutral oil to reduce saturated fat.
- Let chicken sit in the flour mixture for 5–10 minutes to develop a thicker crust.
- Sub buttermilk dipping step (not in original) if you want richer coating—optional.
- Use leftover pan drippings (as note suggests) to make a gravy.
- Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an herbal variation.
- Reheat leftovers uncovered in the oven to restore crispness.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 33gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 415mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 610IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2.6mg
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