Chicken Recipes

Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Crispy oven-fried chicken is a delightful dish that combines succulent boneless chicken breast with a tantalizing blend of spices and unique seasoning.

Are you craving for a delicious and crispy oven fried chicken recipe? Look no further! This crispy oven fried chicken recipe is a healthier twist on the classic fried chicken, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With the perfect blend of seasonings and a crispy coating, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on how to make this mouthwatering dish.

What Is Crispy Oven Fried Chicken?

Crispy oven-fried chicken is a delightful dish that combines succulent boneless chicken breast with a tantalizing blend of spices and unique seasoning. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of fresh lemon juice, chilly paprika, salt, and instant garlic flakes, giving it a burst of flavor. The addition of Italian style bread crumbs with Romano cheese adds an extra layer of crispiness to the dish. The result is a mouthwatering chicken dish with a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Why You'll Love Crispy Oven Fried Chicken?

Amazing Texture: The crispy oven-fried chicken has a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside, making it a delightful eating experience.
Healthier Option: Unlike traditional fried chicken, this oven-fried version uses less oil, making it a healthier choice without compromising on taste.
Lower in Fat: By using just 2 tbsp of olive oil for the entire recipe, this crispy oven-fried chicken is lower in fat compared to deep-fried chicken.
Rich in Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, making this dish a nutritious option for a balanced meal.
Heart Friendly: With the use of olive oil instead of butter or lard, this recipe promotes heart health and is suitable for those watching their cholesterol levels.
Satisfying and Delicious: The combination of Italian-style bread crumbs, Romano cheese, and a hint of paprika brings out a delicious flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients for Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Boneless Chicken Breast: The main protein in this dish, the boneless chicken breast is juicy and tender when cooked properly.
Chilly Paprika: Adds a hint of spiciness and smokiness to the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy and citrusy flavor to balance the richness of the chicken.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the chicken and helps to bring out all the other flavors.
Instant Garlic Flakes (Dry): Adds a savory and aromatic essence to the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
Olive Oil: Helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
Italian Style Bread Crumbs with Romano Cheese: The bread crumbs add a crispy texture to the chicken, while the Romano cheese provides a savory, umami richness.

How To Make Crispy Oven Fried Chicken?

To make crispy oven fried chicken, start by cutting the chicken pieces into halves and then pat them dry using tissue paper.
Next, marinate the chicken pieces with chilly paprika, fresh lemon juice, salt, and instant garlic flakes, and set aside for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220 degrees C and line a baking tray with parchment paper, lightly greasing or spraying it.
In a wide bowl, mix the Italian style bread crumbs with Romano cheese and chilly paprika until well incorporated.
Then, pour 2 tbsp of olive oil over the marinated chicken and mix well, or pour 2 tbsp of olive oil in a separate bowl and dip each chicken piece in the oil until well coated.
Coat the chicken pieces with the bread crumbs mixture and arrange them in the prepared baking tray. Lightly grease or spray oil over the chicken breasts.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, then turn the pieces over and bake for another 10 minutes or until cooked through.
Once done, remove from the oven and your crispy oven fried chicken is ready to serve!

The key to a flavorful experience lies in the marination process, the use of high-quality ingredients, and ensuring even coating of the chicken with the bread crumbs. These steps are crucial in achieving that crispy, flavorful oven fried chicken that everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a refreshing salad: Serve the crispy oven-fried chicken with a side of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette for a light and fresh accompaniment.
Creamy mashed potatoes: The crispy exterior of the chicken pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the crispy chicken for a hearty and comforting meal.
Roasted vegetables: Add some color and nutrients to your plate by serving the oven-fried chicken with a medley of roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Herb-infused rice: Enhance the meal with aromatic and flavorful herb-infused rice. The fragrant rice will elevate the flavors of the crispy oven-fried chicken.
Garlic bread: Complete the meal with some warm and buttery garlic bread. The garlic bread adds a deliciously savory element to the crispy chicken dish.
Coleslaw: For a refreshing and crunchy side, serve the oven-fried chicken with coleslaw. The cool and creamy coleslaw balances out the heat and crispiness of the chicken.

Elevate the crispy oven-fried chicken with these delicious and complementary side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Furthermore, I would like to share some of my suggestions for perfect oven fried chicken.

Firstly, wash and then cut chicken pieces into halves and then pat dry by using tissue paper.
Usually, people dredge the chicken pieces (one by one) in the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs. But in this recipe, simply pour 2 tbsp of olive oil over the marinated chicken and mix well (OR) pour 2 tbsp of olive oil in a separate bowl and dip each chicken piece in the oil or until well coated. Then coat the chicken pieces with the breadcrumbs mixture.
Finally, if you don’t have the Italian style bread crumbs with Romano cheese, then add some paprika powder, salt, dry Italian herbs and grated parmesan cheese to the plain breadcrumbs.
Cooking Techniques: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees C and bake the chicken for 12-15 minutes, then turn the pieces over and bake for another 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.

Variations for Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Spice it up: Experiment with different spices and herbs in the breadcrumb mixture. Try adding cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or even some dried herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
Cheesy twist: Add some grated parmesan or cheddar cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy kick in every bite. You can also try different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
Buttermilk soak: Instead of marinating the chicken in lemon juice, try soaking the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before breading and baking. This will result in a more tender and juicy chicken.
Panko breadcrumb crust: Swap out the Italian style breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier coating. Panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a crunchier texture.
Sweet and spicy: Add a pinch of brown sugar to the breadcrumb mixture for a touch of sweetness, and pair it with a dash of hot sauce in the marinade for a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Lemon and herb marinade: Instead of using the given marination, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, along with lemon zest and juice for a zesty and aromatic flavor.

How to Store Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover crispy oven fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Freeze for later: If you have excess chicken, you can freeze it for later. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will last for up to 3 months.
Keep marinated chicken cold: While marinating the chicken, make sure to keep it refrigerated to prevent any bacteria growth and maintain freshness.
Properly store bread crumbs: Ensure the bread crumbs are stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their crispiness for future use.
Store olive oil properly: Store the olive oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain its flavor and quality.
Use fresh ingredients: To ensure the best results, use fresh ingredients and check expiration dates before using them in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe. Just adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.

Can I use a different type of bread crumbs?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of bread crumbs that you prefer. You can even get creative and add your own seasonings to the bread crumbs for a unique flavor.

How can I ensure the chicken turns out crispy?

To ensure that the chicken turns out crispy, make sure to coat each piece evenly with the bread crumbs mixture. Also, lightly greasing the baking tray and spraying oil over the chicken breasts before baking will help to achieve a crispy texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it's best to enjoy the oven-fried chicken fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the marinated chicken ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy it, just coat with bread crumbs and bake.

Can I add more spices to the marinade?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the marinade with your favorite spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different flavors and create a delicious variation of the recipe.

Can I use a different type of oil for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point for baking at high temperatures.

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