Best Oven Fried Chicken – Crispy & Juicy

Oven fried chicken delivers all the crispy, juicy satisfaction of traditional fried chicken without the mess or extra oil. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and it consistently produces restaurant-quality results that my family can’t get enough of.

There’s something magical about the aroma of seasoned chicken baking in the oven on a busy weeknight. I still remember the first time I tried making oven fried chicken – I was skeptical that anything baked could rival the real thing. But one bite of that perfectly crispy, golden coating and tender interior convinced me otherwise. This recipe has become my go-to solution for satisfying that fried chicken craving without the hassle of deep frying. The secret lies in the hot buttered pan and the perfect seasoning blend that gives you all the flavor you’re craving—similar to the flavor payoff in our Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Oven Fried Chicken

This oven fried chicken recipe has earned its place as a family favorite because it delivers on every promise – crispy coating, juicy meat, and all the satisfaction of traditional fried chicken. I’ve served this to skeptical guests who couldn’t believe it wasn’t deep-fried, and it’s become my most requested recipe at potluck dinners.

• Easy to make with everyday pantry ingredients you likely already have
• Wonderfully crispy exterior without any deep frying or messy oil
• Much healthier than traditional fried chicken with significantly less fat
• Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners
• Kid-friendly recipe that even picky eaters love and ask for repeatedly
• Tastes just like your favorite restaurant version but made at home

This crispy oven-baked chicken is more than just a weeknight dinner – it’s a solution to that fried chicken craving that brings the whole family to the table.

Ingredient Note List

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I always cut these into even strips because uniform pieces cook at the same rate and give you that perfect tender bite every time.

Panko Bread Crumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs and hold up beautifully during baking.

All-Purpose Flour: The flour helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken and creates a foundation that keeps the coating from falling off.

Seasoning Salt: I prefer Lawry’s brand because it adds that familiar restaurant-style flavor that makes this oven fried chicken taste like the real deal.

Paprika: This adds a beautiful golden color and a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste without being overpowering.

Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives the coating a gentle heat and balances the other seasonings perfectly—just like we do in our Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon

Eggs: Room temperature eggs create a better coating mixture and help the breadcrumbs adhere more evenly to each piece.

Unsalted Butter: Real butter is essential here – it creates the sizzling effect that makes the coating crispy and adds rich flavor that cooking spray simply can’t match.

How to Cook Oven Fried Chicken

Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 425°F because a hot oven is crucial for getting that crispy coating we’re after.

Step 2. In two shallow dishes, I set up my coating station – eggs whisked in one dish and the panko mixture in the other, which makes the process smooth and efficient.

Step 3. My grandmother taught me to press each piece of chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, and this step makes all the difference for coating that stays put.

Step 4. I place the butter on the rimmed baking sheet and let it melt in the preheating oven – this creates the hot, sizzling surface that starts crisping the bottom immediately.

Step 5. When placing the coated chicken on the hot buttered pan, I leave plenty of space between pieces so they bake evenly rather than steam.

Step 6. After 10 minutes of baking, I gently flip each piece and add a bit more butter if the pan looks dry – this ensures both sides get beautifully golden.

Step 7. I always check for doneness with a meat thermometer because perfectly cooked oven fried chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature.

Step 8. The moment it comes out of the oven, I serve it immediately while the coating is at its crispiest – waiting too long softens that perfect crunch.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover oven fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken cools completely before storing to prevent the coating from getting soggy.

For longer storage, I recommend flash-freezing the cooled chicken pieces on a tray first, then transferring them to freezer bags where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. This method prevents the pieces from sticking together and maintains the coating’s integrity.

For best results, I like to reheat this dish on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet at 250°F until heated through – this method restores much of the original crispiness. You can also use the microwave for convenience, but the coating won’t be quite as crispy as the oven method.

What to Serve with Oven Fried Chicken

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes creates a perfect contrast to the crispy chicken coating—though we sometimes swap in Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans complement the seasoned coating beautifully and add that classic comfort food combination everyone loves.

Coleslaw: The cool, crisp freshness of coleslaw cuts through the richness of the chicken and adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Glazed Carrots: These add natural sweetness and bright color to your plate while providing a tender vegetable that balances the crispy texture of the chicken.

Corn on the Cob: Nothing says comfort food like butter-drizzled corn alongside crispy chicken – it’s a combination that never fails to satisfy.

Dinner Rolls: Warm, fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up any remaining flavors on your plate and complete this hearty, satisfying meal.

FAQs