Your search for the best Oven Fried Chicken recipe stops here. Readers agree its: “Crispiness is perfect! Absolutely delicious every time!”, “Super tender and flavorful,” “Couldnโt be easier and the spices are right on!” Follow along for tips, tricks, and how-to video and you’ll discover why “This really is the best baked fried chicken!”
(Original recipe published 3-7-2018, photo update 9/11/2024)
Watch How TO make Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Readers Love ThiS baked fried chicken!
“This really is the best baked fried chicken! Super tender and flavorful. Thanks for an easy family favorite!”
“My husband is obsessed with this chickenโฆand I love it too 🙂 Couldnโt be easier and the spices are right on!”
“Darn best fried chicken I have ever had. I have been raving about the texture, the crunch and the taste and I have shared your recipe with everyone I know.”
“It was sooooo good and will be made over and over again!”
“Itโs unbelievable! Thank YOU! It tastes like REAL fried chicken!!!!”
“This is literally my go to breaded chicken tender recipe! Spices are on point. Crispiness is perfect! Absolutely delicious every time! I found this on Pinterest a couple of years ago and have never looked back!”
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Baked Fried Chicken Recipe ingredients
This baked fried chicken requires fewer ingredients than you’d think! Here’s everything you’ll need to make it (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
Can I Use a Buttermilk Substitute?
Yes, however, regular milk isn’t as thick, so it’s best to use half and half or add a splash of cream to your milk. To make DIY buttermilk or sour milk for this recipe, add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring glass. Add enough milk to equal 1 cup. Give it a stir and let sit for 10 minutes in order to activate and slightly curdle. Use in the recipe just like buttermilk!
Can I Use Regular Breadcrumbs Instead of Panko?
No, please donโt use regular breadcrumbs, or you will miss out on the gorgeous, satisfying CRUNCH. Panko is the key to crispy baked fried chicken. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and dryer than normal breadcrumbs, so they absorb less moisture and become much crispier.
How to Make Oven Fried Chicken
Let’s take a closer look at how easy this recipe is to make with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
How Long to Cook Fried Chicken in the Oven
This baked breaded chicken needs to bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 400F.
Can I Prep Oven Fried Chicken in Advance?
You can marinate the chicken a day in advance, but I don’t recommend baking the chicken and serving it later. The breading on the outside loses its crispness as it sits in the fridge!
Tips for Making Baked Fried Chicken
baked fried chicken
What to Serve with Oven Fried Chicken
How to Store Oven Baked Fried Chicken
Baked breaded chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For best results, donโt stack your chicken directly on each other, as this will make it soggy. Instead, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers.
How to Reheat Oven Fried Chicken
The oven baked fried chicken will soften upon refrigeration so I suggest reheating your chicken in the oven or air fryer to revive the crispy texture. The microwave will warm the chicken but wonโt improve the texture. To reheat:
-Microwave: The chicken wonโt be nearly as crispy if reheated in the microwave but it will still be flavorful. Transfer chicken tenders to a microwave safe plate in an even layer. Microwave for 90 seconds, then in additional increments of 15 seconds as needed.
-Air fryer: Place chicken in a single layer in the basket without touching. Air fry using the โsnackโ setting for 4-6 minutes until warmed.
-Oven: Spread chicken on a lightly greased baking rack set in a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 5-8 minutes or until heated through.
How to Freeze Oven Baked Fried Chicken
This crispy oven baked chicken freezes very well! To freeze:
1. Cook chicken according to directions, then let it cool to room temperature.
2. Place the chicken apart on a baking sheet, then flash freeze for 1-2 hours or until the chicken is solid. This prevents the chicken from clumping together.
3. Transfer the chicken to a freezer-size bag, squeeze out excess air, and label. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Bake chicken straight from frozen (so it doesnโt become soggy) on a lightly greased baking rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, air fry frozen chicken at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces, flipping halfway through.
oven fried chicken FAQs
Oven fried chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Instead of deep-frying, the chicken is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked in the oven until crispy and golden, offering the same crunch and flavor with less oil.
To achieve extra crispy oven fried chicken, make sure to use panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for coating. Preheating the baking sheet and adding a small amount of oil or melted butter to the coating can also help create a crunchy crust.
Oven fried chicken is typically baked at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC) to ensure a crispy exterior while cooking the chicken thoroughly inside. Cooking at a high temperature helps replicate the crispiness of fried chicken.
The cooking time depends on the size and cut of the chicken. Generally, bone-in pieces take 35-45 minutes, while boneless chicken may cook in about 20-30 minutes. Make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) to ensure doneness.
Yes, oven fried chicken can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the chicken, coat it with breadcrumbs, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. After baking, store leftovers in the fridge and reheat them in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Yes, for even crispiness on both sides, flip the chicken halfway through the baking process. This ensures that both sides get a nice golden-brown crust.
You can use a variety of chicken cuts, such as drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings but chicken tenderloins create the leanest, juiciest result.
Yes, you can substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko for those with dietary restrictions.
Store leftover oven fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake the chicken at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness.
Oven fried chicken pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Looking for more Crispy CHicken Recipes?
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken
Orange Chicken Tenders
Chicken Nuggets
Popcorn Chicken
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders
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Ingredients
Chicken
- 10-12 chicken tenderloins (more or less to fit baking sheet)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fine cornmeal
Spice Mixture
- 1 tablespoon salt (it won’t taste salty)
- 2 tsps EACH chili powder, garlic powder
- 1 tsp EACH pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Whisk the Spice Mix ingredients together in a small sealable bag or container. Add 1 TB Spice Mix, 1 cup buttermilk, and chicken to a large freezer bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 6โ24 hours. Store remaining Spice Mix separately.
- If baking (RECOMMENDED): Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF. Line a half-rimmed baking sheet (18ร13-inch) with parchment paper (foil will NOT work because the chicken sticks to it). Add the butter and melt it in the oven while it preheats, checking every few minutes. Remove the baking sheet once the butter has melted.
- Meanwhile Mix Breading: Mix the flour, panko, cornmeal, and remaining Spice Mix in a large bowl. Add half of this breading mixture to a freezer bag.
- Bread Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dab off the excess marinade with paper towels (I plop the chicken on paper towels). Add half the chicken to the breadcrumb bag and shake until well coated. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken as you remove the tenderloins from the bag.
- If baking, line the breaded chicken on the buttered baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken.If air frying, line the breaded chicken on parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- TO BAKE (Recommended): Bake at 400ยฐF for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and bake for 5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160ยฐF. Broil to desired crispiness.
- TO AIR FRY: Preheat the air fryer to 400ยฐF. Working in batches, add the chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 5 minutes on each side or until crispy and the chicken's internal temperature reaches 160ยฐF.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to rise to an internal temperature of 165ยฐF. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.ย
Video
Notes
- *If your breading is white in some places after you flip your chicken, it did not come in contact with the butter. ย The chicken will still taste great exactly as is, or you can lightly spray it with cooking spray and proceed to broil.
- Storage: Baked breaded chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For best results, donโt stack your chicken directly on each other, as this will make it soggy. Instead, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers.ย
How to Reheat
The oven baked fried chicken will soften upon refrigeration so I suggest reheating your chicken in the oven or air fryer to revive the crispy texture.ย The microwave will warm the chicken but wonโt improve the texture. To reheat:- Microwave: The chicken will not be nearly as crispy if reheated in the microwave, but it will still be flavorful. Transfer chicken tenders to a microwave-safe plate in an even layer. Microwave for 90 seconds, then in additional increments of 15 seconds as needed.
- Air fryer: Place chicken in a single layer in the basket without touching. ย Air fry using the โsnackโ setting for 4-6 minutes until warmed.
- Oven:ย Spread chicken on a lightly greased baking rack set in a baking sheet.ย Bake at 400 degrees for 5-8 minutes or until heated through.
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Carlsbad Cravings Original
Kristen says
This is literally my go to breaded chicken tender recipe! Spices are on point. Crispiness is perfect! Absolutely delicious every time! I found this on Pinterest a couple of years ago and have never looked back!
Jen says
Thank you thank you! I’m so glad you found a recipe that you love!
Cindy B says
I so want to make this crunchy baked fried chicken soon, but any idea if they would get crispy in a propane-fired oven? I live in my RV part of the year and have found in the past that tater tots, for example, will cook, but no matter how long I leave them in the oven they just don’t get crispy. ๐ I will definitely be making this recipe once I return to my home and electric oven in the Spring, though. Thank you for sharing.
Jen says
Gas ovens tend to be more humid, but I have heard that increasing the oven temperature helps. Maybe cooking the chicken at 425 degrees would do the trick, but I can’t know for sure! I hope it works out wherever you decide to make it!
Elizabeth says
Hello, I was wondering if you use a Tbs of salt or kosher salt? Thanks.
Jen says
I use Morton salt!
Elizabeth Mollica says
Hi Miss Jen! I like your KFC recipe immensely, I like to know if I can use it for a Tempura with perhaps some little changes. Thank you very much!!! Elizabeth
Jen says
Hi Elizabeth! I’ve not tried using the batter for Tempura, but it sounds delicious!
Cathy Evans says
This chicken was delicious. My family loved it. Iโll be making it again real soon.
Thanks for another fantastic recipe Jen.
Cathy.
Jen says
You’re so welcome Cathy! Thank you for taking the time to comment! I’m so happy to hear you love this!
Lynn says
Another deeelicious recipe! So easy to make with great flavours. I used the leftover chicken to make scrumptious chicken sandwiches the next day!
Jen says
So pleased you love this Lynn! Those sound like the best chicken sandwiches too!