Oven Fried Crispy Chicken
Crispy oven-fried chicken with a flavorful seasoned coating, baked to perfection for a healthier yet crispy alternative. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Wash chicken and pat dry.
- Melt shortening and butter in a baking pan.
- Mix flour, salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Coat chicken pieces with the flour mixture.
- Place chicken, skin side down, in the melted shortening in the baking pan.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Turn chicken over and bake for an additional 30 minutes until tender and crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crispy coating, allow the coated chicken to rest for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps the flour adhere better. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You can substitute the shortening with vegetable oil for a lighter option, or use gluten-free flour to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy chicken pairs beautifully with sides like Blackie'S Southern Cornbread or a fresh garden salad. Serve it with a side of Four Pepper Barbecue Sauce For Chicken for added flavor. You can also enjoy it with mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a classic meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Chicken Spaghetti For A Crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it stays crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Fried Crispy Chicken contains roughly 710 calories, with 3g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1900mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
While skinless chicken can be used, the skin adds a lot of flavor and helps achieve the crispy texture that makes this dish special. If you prefer skinless, be sure to adjust cooking times as skinless pieces may cook faster.
What can I do if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted butter. Both options will still offer a good fat content for frying and help achieve that crispy result.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced at the thickest part, and the chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).