If you’ve been craving crunchy, juicy fried chicken without the mess (or guilt!) of deep-frying, this Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken is about to become your new obsession. With shatteringly crisp skin, tender and flavorful chicken, and all the comfort of your favorite takeout, this recipe delivers serious crunch—straight from your oven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Crispy: The double hit of buttermilk marinade and self-rising flour guarantees a golden, crunchy coating in every bite.
- No Deep Frying Required: All the texture and flavor you crave—none of the splatter or heavy oil.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Even picky eaters gobble up this extra crispy oven fried chicken, making dinner feel extra special.
- Prep Ahead Freedom: Let the buttermilk work its magic overnight, then just coat, bake, and serve—a true weeknight hero!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken relies on classic pantry ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters to that irresistible end result!
- Chicken Pieces (drumsticks & wings): The perfect cuts for baking—juicy, flavorful, and naturally fun to eat!
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken, infuses tang, and helps the flour stick like magic.
- Self-Rising Flour: The secret for a puffed, shatteringly crisp coating (no baking powder needed—it’s already in there!).
- Poultry Seasoning: A blend of herbs for that nostalgic, classic fried chicken flavor.
- Paprika: Adds smoky depth and that gorgeous golden hue you expect from great fried chicken.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Powerful flavor-boosters that make every bite pop.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all those savory notes.
- Canola Oil Spray: Ensures a crisp finish without excessive oil—just a light mist does the trick!
Variations
This recipe is practically begging for you to make it your own! Whether you’re feeling spicy, want to lighten things up, or need a gluten-free twist, Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken is flexible and friendly to every kitchen.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for heat lovers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the self-rising flour for your favorite gluten-free blend plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
- Buttermilk Substitute: Use whole milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar if you’re out of buttermilk.
- Bake as Tenders: Try strips of boneless chicken breast for a kid-friendly, dippable version!
How to Make Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
Step 1: Soak in Buttermilk
To start, give your chicken a good, gentle rinse and pat it dry. Place all the pieces into a large bowl, then completely cover them with buttermilk. This magical marinade bathes the chicken in creamy tang, tenderizes the meat, and helps the coating cling. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours (or overnight if you’re planning ahead—the longer, the better for flavor and tenderness!).
Step 2: Season and Dredge
When you’re ready to bake your extra crispy oven fried chicken, drain off the buttermilk but don’t rinse the chicken. Sprinkle the pieces with poultry seasoning for that classic homestyle flavor. In a large freezer bag or mixing bowl, combine self-rising flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake until every nook and cranny is coated in delicious, seasoned flour.
Step 3: Prep the Pan
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and set a wire rack on top if you have one (this allows air to circulate, making the chicken extra crispy). Give the rack or foil a generous spray of canola oil so nothing sticks and the coating goes golden.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Finish
Shake off excess flour from each piece and arrange them on your prepared tray, leaving space between for even crisping. Spritz the tops with more oil spray. Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes, turning each piece a couple times for maximum crunch. Then, to achieve that signature extra crispy oven fried chicken crust, switch your oven to broil for the last 5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once gorgeously golden and super crisp, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures every bite is moist inside and shatter-crisp outside. Now, dig in and watch smiles appear all around the table!
Pro Tips for Making Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
- Marinate Overnight: For chicken that’s juicy to the bone and bursting with flavor, don’t skimp on the marinating time. Overnight is magic.
- Use a Wire Rack: Elevating the chicken while it bakes means hot air crisps up every surface—edges, corners, and all!
- Oil Spray Technique: A generous but even mist of oil is the difference between patchy spots and perfectly crisp, golden pieces.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your chicken room to breathe! Crowding leads to steam, not crisp, so space out those pieces for true oven-fried glory.
How to Serve Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect platter, finish your extra crispy oven fried chicken with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley or chives. If you’re in the mood for a bit of sparkle, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a few drops of hot honey for irresistible shine and kick.
Side Dishes
This chicken is a total crowd-pleaser alongside creamy mashed potatoes, classic coleslaw, sweet corn on the cob, or a simple tossed green salad. Don’t forget buttermilk biscuits or cornbread for the full comfort food experience!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your extra crispy oven fried chicken picnic-style on checked paper in a basket, make a Southern-inspired platter for game day, or pile pieces on a wooden board with dips for a casual party feast—no silverware required!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover extra crispy oven fried chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The coating might soften a bit, but don’t worry—you can get that crunch right back!
Freezing
For longer-term storage, freeze cooked, cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to three months—just perfect for quick lunches or snack attacks!
Reheating
To restore that signature extra crispy crunch, reheat leftover chicken in a 375°F oven or an air fryer for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Microwaves are fast but can soften the coating, so use the oven when you crave that shatter.
FAQs
-
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work great with this method—just cut them into strips or nuggets for even cooking, and reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes (depending on thickness).
-
How do I keep the coating from falling off while baking?
Let the flour-coated chicken rest for a few minutes before baking, and be sure to spray well with oil. A sturdy wire rack and flipping the pieces gently with tongs also help the crust stay put and super crispy.
-
Can I skip the overnight marinating step?
Marinating overnight gives you the most flavorful and juicy results, but if you’re short on time, even 1-2 hours in buttermilk is better than skipping it altogether.
-
Do I need self-rising flour, or can I use all-purpose?
Self-rising flour is a game-changer for fluffier, crispier crust, but you can use all-purpose flour mixed with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt as a substitute.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about pulling a tray of extra crispy oven fried chicken fresh from the oven—golden, crunchy, and ready to share. I hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy kitchen classic soon. Happy crunching!
Print
Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Description
This Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken recipe results in juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly crispy coating. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with seasoned flour, this oven-fried chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 quart of buttermilk
Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken (drumsticks and wings)
Seasoned Flour:
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
Additional:
- Oil spray (canola oil spray)
Instructions
- Clean the chicken: Rinse the chicken and place it in a bowl.
- Marinate: Pour buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Season: Season chicken with poultry seasoning.
- Coat with flour: In a bag, mix flour and seasonings. Coat chicken in seasoned flour.
- Prepare tray: Line a baking tray with foil and spray with oil. Place chicken on the tray.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes, turning occasionally for even crispness.
- Broil: Broil for the last 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 1g
- Sodium: Approx. 600mg
- Fat: Approx. 12g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 20g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 35g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 120mg
