Simple Oven Fried Chicken
Crispy oven-fried chicken with a flavorful bread crumb coating, baked to golden perfection—an easy, family-friendly dish with comforting, savory flavors. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wipe the pieces of chicken with paper toweling.
- Melt the margarine in a saucepan.
- Mix the salt, pepper, bread crumbs, and cornstarch together thoroughly.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the melted margarine, then into the bread crumb mixture.
- Place the chicken pieces, skin side down, in a shallow baking pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.
- Turn each piece of chicken over, skin side up, and continue to bake at 350°F for 25 minutes longer, or until rich brown and each piece can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Serve at once, piping hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight before preparation. If you're out of margarine, you can use melted butter or olive oil for a richer taste. To achieve a crispier texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of fine bread crumbs. This recipe is adaptable for various seasonings, so feel free to experiment with your favorite spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-fried chicken with classic sides like Lou'S Cole Slaw or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. You could also pair it with a fresh salad or corn on the cob for a lighter touch. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, and it also works well with a glass of New York State Concord Wine.
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 the chicken stays crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Oven Fried Chicken contains roughly 787 calories, with 22g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (313% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2676mg per serving (116% 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 you can use skinless chicken, the skin helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor. If using skinless pieces, you might want to adjust the baking time slightly, as they may cook faster than bone-in, skin-on pieces.
What can I serve with oven-fried chicken?
Oven-fried chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. You could also complement it with quick and easy apple cherry crisp for dessert to round out the meal.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
To make the chicken extra crispy, ensure the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the bread crumb mixture. Additionally, try placing the chicken on a wire rack set over the baking pan; this will allow air to circulate around the chicken and create a crispier crust.
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).