This is my go-to method for oven-fried chicken, and trust me – it delivers the crispiest, juiciest results. Golden, crunchy, packed with flavor – and honestly? We think it’s even better than KFC!
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Why this recipe works
- Crispy, crunchy perfection – Preheating the pan and baking at high heat gives you that golden, crackly crust – no sad, soggy breading here!
- Packed with flavor – I don’t do bland chicken. The seasoning mix is just right, and trust me, this will not leave you disappointed.
- So juicy inside – Thanks to my breading technique, the chicken stays tender and moist. My family polishes off every last piece, no leftovers in sight!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Chicken – I use boneless, skinless breasts because they’re easy. Many readers have commented that thighs or drumsticks work great too – just adjust the cook time!
- Buttermilk – No buttermilk? No problem. Just mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and you’re good to go.
- Breadcrumbs – I use plain breadcrumbs because I always have those on hand, but Panko is also very delicious and yields amazing results.
- Baking Powder – This helps the breading to puff up a little and behave more like a batter fried in oil. I know it sounds like a strange ingredient in oven fried chicken, but please don’t skip it!
- Butter – Essential for that golden, crispy crust. Canola oil works too, but butter gives the best flavor.
- Salt and spices: I cut the salt in half from my original version since some found it too salty, but if you liked it as it was, feel free to add more. And yes, it might seem like a lot of spices – but you don’t want your chicken under-seasoned. Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!
Step by step overview
Before you begin: Set your oven to 410°F and place a dark roasting pan or cast iron pan inside to heat up. A hot pan is key for crispiness – don’t skip this step!
1. Set up the breading station:
Wet mix
Dry mix
2. Bread the chicken:
Here is how I efficiently bread a lot of chicken well:
- Toss the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture (I do them all at once for more efficiency).
- Shake off any excess flour, then coat with egg wash (again, I do all of the chicken pieces together here because it’s faster and works just as well).
- Finally, thickly coat each chicken piece with dry mix again (this needs to be done for each piece individually). You’ll want to pack on a lot of breading and then pound it onto the chicken with kitchen tongs or a large spoon to make it stick.
3. Bake:
For extra crunch, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely – it can go from crispy to burnt fast! Let the chicken rest 2-3 minutes for the breading to crisp up, then serve immediately!
Tips for success
- Use a dark pan: Dark-colored pans conduct heat better, resulting in a crispier crust. You can use a dark metal pan or cast iron, but a silver metal pan is fine, too.
- Breading: Do not skip pressing/pounding on the dry flour mix in the final step of breading. This is very important to help the breading stick to the chicken and to keep it from flaking off during baking.
- Handle with care: When flipping, use a spatula to gently release the chicken to keep the breading intact.
- Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, but don’t let it sit around for longer than this. Otherwise, it will start getting soggy.
- In full disclosure: While I do love this recipe 100% (I wouldn’t have shared it otherwise!) it is important to me to tell you that you shouldn’t expect the same results from baking as you should from deep-frying. This recipe here does make a crispy oven fried chicken, but it’s not identical to regular deep fried chicken.
Helpful recipe hints
Troubleshooting & storage questions
Make sure you’re using a preheated pan (a dark pan is best) and that the oven is at the correct temperature.
Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can create steam and prevent crisping.
Make sure to press the breading onto the chicken firmly and handle the pieces gently when flipping.
Letting the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before baking can also help the coating stick better.
If you have leftovers, you can easily reheat them in the oven. The chicken won’t be quite as juicy as freshly baked, but it’s still good.
Check out my step by step instructions for reheating fried chicken here!
Either freeze the breaded, unbaked chicken OR the fully baked and cooled chicken. Flash-freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet for ~1 hour before transferring to freezer bags (flash freezing is mandatory for the unbaked chicken, but also very much recommended for baked chicken).
Use a container or bag that is suitable for freezing. Label the bag or container with the contents, and the use-by date (freeze for up to 3 months). Place the flash-frozen chicken in the bag and freeze.
Reheat the frozen chicken for 20-30 minutes at 375 in the oven, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You don’t need to defrost it before reheating.
Serving tips
Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to let the juices settle – this keeps it tender inside. But don’t wait too long! Oven-fried chicken is at its crispiest when served fresh.
We love pairing the chicken with sautéed green beans and mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. Corn on the cob, baked beans and sweet potato fries or air fryer potato wedges with ranch for dipping are also great!
It also works great in a bun topped with sliced avocado and coleslaw on the side (I had this at a restaurant with regular fried chicken and it was so good!)
Recipe video
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
Ingredients
For the egg mix:
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup buttermilk OR regular milk; see notes
For the breading:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs Panko or Italian seasoned work as well
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt adjust to your taste
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
For the chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into strips (I do 2-3 per breast)
For the pan:
- ¼ cup butter or more as needed
Instructions
- Prep: Heat oven to 410°F . Place a dark-colored or cast iron (or at the very least a silver metal) pan in the oven to heat up.
- Prepare breading: In a medium bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk.In a separate bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder and seasoning.1 large egg, ⅓ cup buttermilk, 1 cup all purpose flour, 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1.5 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons ground paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- Bread the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mix, coating evenly and shaking off any extra flour.Next, toss the chicken pieces in the egg mixtures.Then, dip each into the flour mix again, this time coating very well – press the breading well on the chicken to make it stick.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Place chicken on pan: Take the hot pan out of the oven and melt the butter on it.Place the coated chicken pieces on the pan – leave enough space in between, I usually bake it in two batches.¼ cup butter
- Oven fry: Bake for 10-12 minutes, carefully flip and bake for another 5-10 minutes (depending on how thick your chicken pieces are). Add more butter to pan if needed.Finish by broiling the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or swap for thighs/drumsticks (adjust cook time).
- No buttermilk? Use milk with a splash of vinegar.
- Panko gives max crunch, but any breadcrumbs work.
- Baking powder makes breading crispier – don’t skip!
- Press breading onto chicken so it sticks.
- Use a dark pan for best crispiness.
- Flip carefully with a spatulato keep coating intact.
- Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes before serving, but eat it fresh before it softens.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for crispness.
- Freeze unbaked or baked chicken for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen at 375°F until hot and crispy.
Recipe first published in 2016. Updated with new video, photos, step-by-step photos and better text on 03/21/2021. Updated with new photos and better text again on 02/19/2025.
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Kym says
Do I have to do the butter part or can I leave it out and just put the breaded chicken on parchment paper and bake? I’m lactose intolerant and cannot have regular butter and I do not like plant butter, it does not taste right.
Nora says
Kym, you can use oil! I would not “dry bake” the chicken, some oil will help the coating crisp up and not turn out too floury. Hope this helps 🙂
Lynn says
Best chicken breast I’ve ever had. Usually I don’t eat chicken breast because it is always dry. But not this recipe so moist and delicious I paid it with asparagus mashed potatoes and white gravy. Didn’t have to workout left overs.
Mary says
This was really good! I followed the recipe as written but added a little Italian Seasoning and Chili Powder to the flour, too. I cut each chicken breast into 4 pieces. Instead of buttermilk, I mixed 1/3 cup of half & half with 1 tsp of white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. I served it with stuffing and country gravy, with a side of asparagus. Delicious!
Nora says
I’m so glad, Mary!
Bren says
delicious. i used my convection oven setting and served with mash potato abd country gravy. easy and quick. its a keeper
Nora says
That sounds delicious, Bren!
Dawn Miller says
This is really good! Used some of the remaining flour to make gravy in the drippings!
Amy says
Delicious! Crispy Flavorful juicy. But it took me an hour and a half to prep and cook not 40 minutes . I have yet to find a delicious recipe that is a time saver- but I suppose delicious things take effort. Not a criticism – Maybe it will go quicker when I make it again and again. A big plus is that my entire smells delicious not left with a heavy cloying smell of fried food. Thank you for the recipe!
Cleo Maria says
I don’t normally comment, but have to in this case…This was the best oven fried chicken recipe ever. I used boneless chicken thighs. at first I thought it was a lot of work since I am now on my own, but we’ll worth it and a pkg of 6 thighs gives a dinner, a thigh to put in a bun with Dijon and mayo, and more. Recommended!
Martti says
picky eaters loved it and will make again, maybe weekly to get that protein in them
kelley geiger says
Just made it;)). Used oat flour,it’s really good! Fried a few too. Both are delicious!!!!
Terry says
Delicious! Best oven fried chicken I ever made… and I grew up on fried chicken! This is also the first time I ever left a review – it’s that good. Followed directions as stated just added cajun seasoning which I put on almost everything.
Wendy Krop says
This is my go to recipe now for baked/fried chicken! I have made it for family and friends and it is a hit with all! I use crushed ritz crackers instead of panko- buttery/salty goodness! Thank you!
K. Genie Jorgenson says
My chicken turned out great thanks to the good recipe and instructions. I used drumsticks and thighs with skin and bones. I baked them 20 minutes, turned them over and baked 20 more minutes. Chicken was tender, juicy and crispy. I will make your recipe again. Thank you 😊💕
Dan says
Finally, I find an oven fry recipe that leaves the chicken both juicy and crispy. I used plain kefir since I didn’t have any buttermilk and couldn’t tell the difference. Even my Southern Fried family raved about it. I’ll try doing some chops the same way. Thank you.
Christina says
I’ve made this recipe many times
Soooo good
But I usually use boneless skinless chicken thighs
How long do I need to cook it for bone in chicken thighs?
Nora says
Christina, in my experience they take about 10-15 minutes longer. But make sure to check regularly while they’re in the oven!
Julie says
I made this recipe with a few adjustments. I used milk because I had no buttermilk on hand, smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, and a dash of cayenne for a little zing. I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each sliced crosswise into 4 pieces. I used seasoned breadcrumbs—a mix I make of whole grain, toasted bread, crackers, Panko, and croutons, with Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and fresh ground pepper to flavor.
I added a tablespoon of olive oil to the butter in the preheated dark pan, then, when placing the prepared chicken on the pan, I used tongs to gently turn each piece in the butter/oil mixture to coat.
I only baked the chicken for 8 minutes on one side, flipped the pieces, and baked another 7-8 minutes.
The results were juicy, crispy, and delicious! Thank you for my new favorite recipe for chicken breasts!!!
Daphne Close says
Just made it tonight and the chicken was delicious. I think the trick is all the butter. I use unsalted butter so I think in the future I will either add more salt to the flour mixture or lightly salt the chicken beforehand.
Lauren says
This is seriously a fantastic recipe. I never comment on these things but I had to for this one!!
Nora says
So glad to hear it, Lauren!
Bertha R. Parbey says
Very good recipe and the notes were valuable as well.
T says
This was great! I oven fried it in a cast iron skillet. I added a some hot sauce to the milk/egg mixture, and only added a bit of chili powder and cayenne to the seasoned flower. It turned out perfectly. Very nice with Boar’s Head Pepperhouse Gourmaise …
Chris says
hi
just wanted to say I made this evening for dinner and it was delicious.
turned out so juicy and the color was great.
I did one thing different thou. instead of using the 4 tablespoon of the breadcrumbs I used 2 tablespoons of that and than 2 tablespoon of crushed cornflake crumbs
for alittle extra crunch.
I will be doing this recipe again.
thanks for sharing.
PS2U2 says
I loved it but the 2nd time, I doubled the breading recipe, used white pepper instead pepper, used half of the salt, 3/4 of the paprika and only two-thirds of the garlic powder; then I sprayed the tops with olive oil since the sides were a bit dry and turned them onto all four sides… since I used chicken legs. It took 35 minutes in my oven but maybe 38-40 for larger pieces. Next time, I’m going to try using Tony Chachere with the same less the salt and pepper with some cumin. Crossing my fingers. 🙂
Nora says
Thanks for sharing your tips! Glad you liked the recipe.
PS2U2 says
Nevermind, 410° It can be difficult to navigate my phone sometimes 😕
Nora says
No worries, glad you found the right temperature!
PS2U2 says
What temperature do I set the oven for?
Elizabeth says
The flavor of the coating was absolutely amazing! I’ll definitely make it again.
Mary Avera says
I used almond milk (allergies) and cut it up into nuggets instead of strips. only made 1 giant breast and could’ve used more seasoning honestly (that pepper lady is nuts lol) I love how crispy it got! and wasn’t dry at all (I did 10mins, flip, 5mins) will be making this again!
Cynthia says
Do not hesitate to make this one!Oh my goodness! This was the best chicken (I also made your potato wedges) I’ve made for my family in ages! Thank you so much. It was easy. Crispy. Juicy. Seasoning was perfect. Chefs kiss! I will be following you from now on to see what else your brilliant mind comes up with. 😋 YUM!