Southern Baked Chicken
Southern Baked Chicken features crispy, flavorful coating with a hint of spice, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking hearty, delicious meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly grease a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- Combine dry ingredients: corn meal mix, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces in milk, then coat with dry ingredients.
- Place chicken skin side up in the prepared pan.
- Lightly brush the chicken with melted margarine.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier coating, let the coated chicken sit for 10-15 minutes before baking. You can substitute the margarine with butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper to the dry mix. This Southern Baked Chicken pairs beautifully with sides like Lite Apple Slaw or cornbread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw. A fresh salad or corn on the cob also complements the dish well. For a dessert, consider enjoying it with Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge or Chocolate Mallow Bars for a delightful finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Southern Baked Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, to retain its crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Baked Chicken contains roughly 205 calories, with 4g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2136mg per serving (93% 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?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken pieces, but keep in mind that the skin helps to retain moisture and adds flavor. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness earlier to avoid drying out the meat.
What can I substitute for cornmeal mix?
If you don't have cornmeal mix, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts of cornmeal and all-purpose flour, adding a pinch of baking powder for leavening. This will mimic the texture and flavor of the original ingredients.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced, and the meat should no longer be pink near the bone.
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).