Oven-Fried Tennessee Chicken
Crispy oven-fried Tennessee Chicken offers tender, flavorful meat with a golden crust, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter or shortening in a shallow 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Combine flour with 2 teaspoons salt and 2 teaspoons paprika in a paper sack.
- Coat pieces of chicken with seasoned flour in the paper sack.
- Place the coated chicken in the baking dish with the melted butter, turning to coat both sides.
- Bake the chicken skin side down in a single layer for 30 minutes.
- Turn the chicken over and bake for another 30 minutes, until tender and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in buttermilk before coating it in the seasoned flour. If you're out of paprika, smoked paprika or cayenne can add a different twist. Also, using a mix of butter and shortening can enhance the crispiness of the chicken skin. Feel free to experiment with other spices like garlic powder or black pepper to customize the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-fried Tennessee chicken with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a hearty meal. It also pairs beautifully with Nutted Wild Rice Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete dinner, consider adding roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to round out the plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover oven-fried Tennessee chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven-Fried Tennessee Chicken contains roughly 276 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 30g fat.
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 pieces for this recipe?
While you can use skinless chicken, the skin adds flavor and helps retain moisture during cooking. If you prefer skinless, reduce the baking time slightly to avoid drying out the meat. Consider adding a bit more butter to compensate for the lack of skin.
What can I substitute for butter or shortening?
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter or shortening. However, be aware that this may alter the flavor slightly. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil is a great alternative that will still give a nice crispness.
How can I tell when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Additionally, the skin should be golden brown and crispy. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure it’s cooked perfectly without overcooking.
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).