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All Posts / Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

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By Rosie Published: July 19, 2024 Updated: July 31, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links.

This crispy oven fried chicken is a healthier version of traditional fried chicken. With tender, juicy chicken covered in an extra flavorful, crispy coating, this will be your new favorite “fried” chicken recipe!

Pieces of extra crispy oven fried chicken drumsticks are stacked on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley leaves.
Table of Contents
  1. What the Heck is Oven Fried Chicken?
  2. How to Make Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
  3. Tips and Tricks for the BEST Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
  4. What to Serve with Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
  5. Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Hey sweeties! Y’all have been asking for healthy soul food and comfort food options. Well, say no more! In this post, I’m sharing a recipe for delicious fried chicken – no deep frying required!

What the Heck is Oven Fried Chicken?

Don’t let the oven frying fool you. The end result is just as delicious as traditional Southern fried chicken. However, since we’re going to oven “fry” the chicken, we use a lot less oil!

This extra crispy oven fried chicken is prepared the same way as regular fried chicken – brined and battered with a seasoned flour mixture. Instead of deep frying, I use an oil spray to mist the chicken with oil. It crisps up the flavorful chicken coating while it bakes, and it’s far healthier than regular deep-fried chicken (although I love me some deep-fried chicken as well).

Oven fried chicken is the easiest dinner recipe. You can prep it ahead of time and toss it in the oven – no standing over hot oil, gettin’ spat at, oil-soaked paper towel, or tons of oil to discard later. My crispy oven fried chicken recipe is a family favorite. Everyone loves that extra crunch!

How to Make Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Ingredients

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this healthy fried chicken recipe! I firmly believe in always having the ingredients for fried chicken on hand, so I always make sure my fried chicken recipes use everyday, affordable pantry staples. Be sure to check out the recipe card for the full ingredient measurements!

  • Chicken: like most fried chicken recipes, I use drumsticks and wings, but you can use any chicken pieces you prefer!
  • Buttermilk: a classic fried chicken ingredient, buttermilk seals in the moisture for tender, juicy chicken.
  • Self-Rising Flour: the secret to an extra crispy chicken coating with no deep-frying.
  • Seasonings: we ain’t skimping on flavor here! I season my chicken with poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  • Cooking Spray: for that “deep fried” flavor without the calories! I use canola oil spray.

Why use self-rising flour for oven fried chicken instead of all-purpose flour?

Self-rising flour is the secret to getting that extra crispy chicken without deep frying. Self-rising flour contains baking powder, which is a leavening agent. Just like when you put baking powder in a cake, it causes a rising reaction when it’s heated (baked or fried). That’s what makes it extra crispy and delicious! If you don’t have self-rising flour, don’t worry! You can use AP flour and add two teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour for the same effect.

What are the best pieces of chicken to use for crispy oven fried chicken?

I prefer chicken drumsticks and wings. I find that they’re the juiciest pieces, even when baked or fried – you can’t go wrong! However, this recipe works with any pieces – chicken thighs, breasts, legs, whatever you like. Bone-in pieces take longer to cook, as do thick chicken breasts. If you’re using chicken breasts, consider thin-slicing them so they cook quicker.

Instructions

Okay, fam. It’s time to make some hella good oven fried chicken! It’s one of my favorite ways to make crispy chicken without hassle. The whole family eats it up every time!

If you want to watch how I make my extra crispy oven fried chicken recipe, peep the video tutorial below! While you’re at it, subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube so you can catch all my recipe videos right when I share them.

Step 1: Brining the Chicken

Like many of my other fried chicken recipes, I start by brining the chicken in buttermilk. This locks in the moisture and flavor and gives the breading and seasoning the perfect base to cling to. I prefer to let the chicken brine overnight for best results, but if you’re tight on time, aim for at least 4 hours. When the chicken is ready, simply drain the buttermilk from the chicken – but DO NOT RINSE the buttermilk off!!

Step 2: Season, Season, Season!

Next comes the seasoning. Before breading the chicken, I season it with poultry seasoning. Then, make the flour mixture by combining the self-rising flour, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Some people like to dredge their chicken in paper bags; others like to use the bowl or tray method. I’m nosey–I wanna see what’s going on, so I dredge my chicken in plastic freezer bags. Give everything a good toss, make sure it’s all well-coated, and we’re good to go!

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy

Once your chicken is all nice and coated, prepare it for the oven. Prep a baking tray with aluminum foil and spray it down with cooking spray. You don’t want too much, just a thin layer. Place the chicken in a single layer on the baking tray, then spray the top with more cooking spray – again, just a light spray!

Bake until the chicken is crispy and golden brown, flipping ever 10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the pieces of chicken you use. Just make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

A platter full of oven "fried" chicken drumsticks, covered in an extra-crispy breading.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

So, how do you make an already great recipe even more fantastic? Follow Cousin Rosie’s tips, of course! Have I ever steered you wrong?

  • If you’re worried about the chicken sticking to the foil while baking, use a wire rack and spray the rack with cooking spray. This way, your chicken will get nice and crispy on all sides with no breading loss.
  • For even more flavor, swap out the cooking spray for melted butter! The fat in the butter will help brown and crisp up that chicken beautifully. Brush it on the baking sheet and chicken using a pastry brush.
  • Wanna add a kick of spice to your chicken? Add hot sauce to the brine (like I do in my Southern style oven fried chicken recipe here) and/or add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
  • You want to serve this chicken immediately for the best taste.
  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge.
  • Don’t have buttermilk? Don’t skip that step! Instead, make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for each cup of milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and voilà, homemade buttermilk!

Can I make “oven fried” chicken in the air fryer? 

Heck yeah! While it’s not exactly the same, you can definitely achieve extra crispy fried chicken in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might have to cook the chicken in batches. Cook the chicken at 390 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Remember, different chicken pieces have different cooking times, so always check the temperature with a meat thermometer! The chicken will also continue cooking once you take it out of the oven (or air fryer), so aim to remove the chicken around 160 degrees.

Why isn’t my oven fried chicken getting crispy? 

I know baked “fried” chicken isn’t the same as deep-fried, but with the right technique, you can get that perfectly crispy chicken in the oven! Here are some reasons why your oven-fried chicken might not have that extra crisp:

  • The type of baking dish you use matters! Dark pans reflect heat better, getting that skin nice and crispy. Glass baking dishes heat unevenly and typically leave you with crowded chicken. Choose your pan wisely.
  • Cranking up the oven to a higher temperature at the end of the cooking time can add an extra crisp. I usually broil my oven fried chicken for 3-5 minutes.
  • Using too much oil on the pan or the chicken will cause it to become soggy and greasy on the pan. Avoid this by using a light spray, a wire rack, or using butter instead of cooking spray.
  • Don’t let the chicken sit long before OR after baking. For the crispiest results, bake the chicken immediately after dredging and serve immediately.

What to Serve with Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

You can serve your favorite fried chicken sides with this healthier version! Y’all know I love my Southern sides—mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and soul food greens are always my go-tos. Here are more side dish options for oven fried chicken:

  • Pepper Jack Macaroni and Cheese
  • Southern Potato Salad Recipe
  • BLT Macaroni Salad
  • Hot Water Cornbread
  • Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe
  • Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Loved this recipe? Be sure to share + save on Pinterest! Don’t forget to tag and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube, and check out I Heart Soulfood, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie and A Cousin Rosie Holiday with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.

Oven fried chicken

Extra Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

This oven fried chicken is a healthier alternative to classic fried chicken without sacrificing ANY flavor! Crispy and seasoned to perfection, you'll love this "fried" chicken recipe!
Watch Video Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern/ Soul Food
Keyword Oven Fried Chicken
Prep Time 4 hours hours
Cook Time 40 minutes minutes
Total Time 4 hours hours 45 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 quart of buttermilk
  • 2 lbs chicken I used drumsticks and wings
  • 1 cup self rising flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • oil spray I used canola oil spray

Instructions

  • Clean the chicken, then place it into a medium-sized bowl (large enough to fit all the chicken).
    2 lbs chicken
  • Pour the buttermilk all over the chicken, and make sure that the chicken is completely covered.
    1 quart of buttermilk
  • Cover the bowl, and put it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours. I refrigerate my chicken overnight!
  • When you're ready to cook, drain the buttermilk, but do not rinse the chicken.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 F.
  • Season the chicken with the poultry seasoning.
    1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • Next, in a gallon-sized freezer bag, combine the flour & all the other seasonings.
    1 cup self rising flour, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp paprika, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder
  • Add the chicken into the bag, seal the bag, then shake to coat the chicken with the seasoned flour.
  • Prep a baking tray by lining it with tin foil, then spray the foil with a thin coating of vegetable oil spray. If you have a wire rack, place that on the tray and spray with oil.
    oil spray
  • Remove the chicken from the bag, shake off the excess flour, then place the chicken on the cookie sheet. Spray each piece of chicken with a light spritz of vegetable oil spray.
  • Bake the chicken in the oven for 40 minutes, periodically turning the chicken to crisp up all sides.
  • During the last 5 minutes of cooking time, switch the oven to broil to get that extra-crispy finish.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Serve and enjoy! XOXO

Video

If you loved this recipe, leave me a review below. This helps future recipe makers and ensures continued high-quality recipes for years to come!
© 2025 I Heart Recipes
Recipe by: I Heart Recipes
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MEET THE RECIPE AUTHOR

Rosie

I’m a Soul Food blogger living in the Pacific Northwest, bringing Southern cooking to gorgeous Seattle, Washington. I was born and raised in the PNW, but my family roots go all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my grandparents were born and raised. I live every day to bring the traditional values, recipes, and love of food to life for my family—whether they’re online or in real life. So, welcome to the party, family!

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Comments

  1. Stephanie says

    September 16, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    Okay Rosie,
    Because I love your recipes, I’m taking your word for it that this oven fried chicken is delicious!
    You haven’t failed me yet! I know we will love it, as we have all your other recipes.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      September 16, 2015 at 7:13 pm

      Yes, it’s amazing. It’s the perfect substitution for deep fried chicken. 😀

      Reply
  2. Shirley says

    October 18, 2015 at 2:36 am

    I’ve made this a few times now. OMG so good and easy to do. I find it easier to apply the flour mixture individually for each piece but otherwise do everything else exactly as written. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      October 21, 2015 at 4:07 pm

      Thanks for trying my recipe!

      Reply
  3. Chandra says

    August 14, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    5 stars
    I cooked your oven fried chicken recipe and the taste was delicious. My skin stuck to the foil even though I sprayed it according to the directions. Any suggestions? I also made your southern baked macaroni and cheese. The family has now requested it for Thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      August 14, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      Hi Chandra! I’m going to repost my oven fried chicken soon, but I advise using a cooking rack. Make sure you spray the rack with nonstick spray.

      Reply
      • Chandra says

        March 31, 2018 at 2:55 pm

        5 stars
        I made it again today using the rack. No sticking! I also made your Southern Smothered Chicken today for a family gathering. Everyone loved it as well. Thank you for sharing your gift of cooking with us.

        Reply
        • Rosie says

          March 31, 2018 at 8:08 pm

          Thanks for trying.

          Reply
  4. Poppy says

    October 21, 2017 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    Trying this recipe tonight.
    Btw, you are gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      October 21, 2017 at 4:17 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  5. Nicole T says

    February 15, 2018 at 8:12 am

    5 stars
    I’ve been looking for buttermilk and cannot find any at the safeway, giant etc. is there anything I can use to substitute buttermilk so I can brine my chicken before I prepare it Rosie? I love your site! so glad I came across it last month!!!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      February 16, 2018 at 7:53 pm

      Hi Nicole! Safeway has buttermilk, you should as someone that works there. I buy mine there all the time.

      Reply
  6. Elise says

    July 1, 2020 at 8:36 am

    5 stars
    Hi Rosie!
    I’ve never posted or commented before but I decided to personally thank you for sharing your talent!
    I grew up eating southern food and trying your delicious recipes brings back wonderful memories!

    So years ago I made some of your dishes for my son’s grad/trunk party, including your extra crispy oven fried chicken. The slight ‘problem’ I had is that I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 20 years; the chicken smelled sooo good and people raved about it so much that I almost succumbed to temptation and tried it!

    I’m planning to make this chicken again this weekend and hope I don’t blow my vegetarianism!!!
    Thanks again!!!!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      July 1, 2020 at 12:46 pm

      LMAOOOOO!! Glad that your guest loved the chicken!! XOXOXO!!

      Reply
  7. Alice says

    March 23, 2024 at 8:10 am

    5 stars
    Rosie! This spot is the best oven fried chicken recipe ever! I marinated my chicken overnite in buttermilk and didn’t rinse the excess buttermilk just like you said. The chicken was melt in your mouth tender and moist, every bite! The aroma while just baking, I knew the chicken was going to be flavorful and yummy! My adult. kids coming for Sunday dinner on Friday (lol) when they walked in said “ooh I’m hungry now!” Thank you for sharing your recipes! This is a yummy and easy recipe!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      March 23, 2024 at 9:22 am

      Hey there Alice! Thank you so much for trying my recipe! Glad that you love it just as much as I do.

      Reply
  8. Kara says

    July 5, 2024 at 6:06 pm

    5 stars
    Amazing recipes

    Reply
  9. Sissy says

    July 25, 2024 at 5:23 pm

    Love this recipe. Love all your recipes!!! Thank for sharing

    Reply

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Hey cousins, it’s Rosie!

I’m a Soul Food blogger living in the Pacific Northwest, bringing Southern cooking to gorgeous Seattle, Washington. I was born and raised in the PNW, but my family roots go all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my grandparents were born and raised. I live every day to bring the traditional values, recipes, and love of food to life for my family—whether they’re online or in real life. So, welcome to the party, family!

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