Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that glorious crunch of fried chicken—without the mess or oil splatter—this Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken is about to become your go-to comfort food. Imagine impossibly juicy chicken on the inside, coated with a shatteringly crisp, golden crust right from your oven. It’s a recipe that truly delivers all of the satisfaction of takeout, with none of the fuss or guilt!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s the simple ingredients that make Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken so iconic. Each component brings something special—whether it’s the juicy tang from buttermilk, the aromatic spice blend, or the magic of that perfectly crisp flour coating.

• Chicken (drumsticks and wings): Use your favorite cuts—bone-in and skin-on pieces deliver juiciness and irresistible flavor.
• Buttermilk: This tangy dairy bath tenderizes the meat and locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is succulent.
• Self-rising flour: Acts as the crispy crust’s backbone, with leaveners that help create a light, shatteringly crunchy coating.
• Poultry seasoning: A classic blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, and more for that traditional down-home roast chicken flavor.
• Paprika: Adds gorgeous golden color and a hint of earthy sweetness.
• Garlic powder: Offers rich, savory depth—because garlic makes everything better!
• Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning, adding subtle sweetness and warmth.
• Salt and black pepper: Absolute essentials for bringing all the other flavors to life.
• Oil spray (canola recommended): A quick mist over the chicken helps the crust turn crisp and golden in the oven.

Variations

The beauty of Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken is just how easy it is to customize. With a few tweaks, you can make it gluten-free, spice it up, or tailor it for a crowd—just let your cravings lead the way!

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mix for a fiery, southern-style crust.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Swap self-rising flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend (add 1.5 tsp of baking powder for similar puffiness).
• Sweeter Southern Flavor: Add a tablespoon of honey to your buttermilk marinade for a gentle sweet undertone.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Use unsweetened plant-based milk soured with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, instead of buttermilk.

How to Make Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk

Begin by cleaning your chicken pieces and placing them into a roomy bowl. Generously pour buttermilk over the chicken, making sure every piece is tucked under that creamy tang. This step isn’t just ritual—it’s the secret to irresistible juiciness and deep flavor! Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least four hours, though it’s even better if you let them soak overnight.

Step 2: Season and Dredge in the Flour Mix

Once your chicken is gloriously marinated, drain off the buttermilk (no rinsing, please—it’s liquid gold!). Dust each piece with poultry seasoning, then add them into a large zip-top bag filled with self-rising flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Seal it tight and shake until every nook and cranny is covered in seasoned flour. This is what creates the Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken crust that everyone loves.

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Tray for Maximum Crispiness

For mess-free magic and extra crunch, line a large baking tray with foil, spray it with oil, and add a wire rack if you have one. This keeps air circulating under and around the chicken, helping the crust stay crunchy on all sides. Arrange your chicken pieces, giving them plenty of space—no crowding allowed!

Step 4: Bake, Flip, and Broil for the Crispiest Finish

Give every chicken piece a light spritz of oil spray to encourage golden, crunchy perfection. Bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes, turning each piece once or twice so they get crispy all over. For that signature “fried” finish, pop the tray under the broiler for the last 5 minutes—just keep an eye out so they don’t over-brown!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove your Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and ensures each bite is packed with flavor and crunch. Time to dig in!

How to Serve Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken with fresh chopped parsley or chives for color and a burst of freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a zippy, citrusy finish that contrasts beautifully with the savory crust.

Side Dishes

Classic pairings like creamy coleslaw, fluffy mashed potatoes, or buttery corn on the cob round out the meal and soak up every last bit of flavor. For something lighter, try a tangy cucumber salad or simple green beans with a squeeze of lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile up the chicken on a vintage platter for a Sunday supper vibe, or serve picnic-style in paper-lined baskets for backyard gatherings. For parties, arrange drumsticks and wings on a board with dips like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy hot sauce for a fun, choose-your-own-adventure feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pieces elevated on a paper towel or rack to help maintain the crunch.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then place on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the pieces to a freezer bag or container—great for quick meals up to 2 months later.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated or thawed chicken in a 375°F oven on a rack for 10–15 minutes—this brings back that signature crunch far better than the microwave ever could.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken a try the next time you need a meal that feels like a special treat but is easy enough for any day of the week. With its golden, crunchy crust and juicy chicken, it’s sure to become a fast favorite—happy cooking and even happier crunching!

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