Oven Fried Chicken

Oven Fried Chicken is made with the perfect blend of spices with a crispy texture and a juicy center. This is a great alternative to our Fried Chicken without the excess mess and oil splatter. The breadcrumb and flour mixture gives the chicken the best golden, crispy texture and is a healthy alternative by baking in the oven instead of deep frying.

Make this Easy Main Dish Recipes for the best weeknight meal. If you love this recipe, make sure to also see Baked Pork Chops, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Drumsticks, Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Wings and Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

• Crispy Texture – The chicken tenders are easy to bake with the best crispy, crunchy texture. The chicken stays juicy without getting soggy.
• Simple Seasoning – This is my go-to meal when I need something quick and easy. The spices are simple and I always have the ingredients on hand.
• Crowd Favorite – I make this for an easy weeknight meal but it is also great served as an appetizer when I am hosting a game day party.

Ingredients

• Boneless Chicken Breasts – Cut chicken into strips. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs
• Butter – We used unsalted butter
• Eggs – This helps the breading stick to the chicken
• Milk – We used whole milk but you can also use buttermilk. If you prefer to use buttermilk and are out, you can use milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice
• All Purpose Flour  – You can also use gluten-free flour
• Panko Bread Crumbs  – Gives the chicken texture a crispy, crunchy texture
• Salt – You can use kosher salt or pink salt
• Paprika – If you are out, see Best Paprika Substitute
• Garlic Powder – See The Best Garlic Powder Substitute if you are out
• Onion Powder – If you are out, see Best Onion Powder Substitutes

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Oven Fried Chicken

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 

Step 2 – In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. 

Step 3 – In a separate bowl, stir together the ingredients for the batter. For a hint of spice, add in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Step 4 – In a separate bowl, stir together the ingredients for the batter. Dredge each of the chicken strips in the egg mixture.  Then coat the chicken strips in the batter and make sure that it’s well coated.  Continue this process until all the chicken has been coated.

Step 5 – Cut the butter into small pieces and place it on a ribbed baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the pan to heat up the pan and melt the butter.  You can also pour oil in the pan.

Step 6 – Carefully place the coated chicken strips on the baking tray with melted butter, making sure to leave space between each strip. 

Step 7 – Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken strips and bake for 8-10 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F) and the coating on the chicken is browned. 

• Step 8 – Remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes on a wire rack and then it’s ready to serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Cooking Chicken – Use an instant read meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken. Make sure to place chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Baking Powder – I use baking powder in the batter as I find it makes the batter crisper. You can easily omit it from the recipe. The chicken will still be good, the coating will not be as crispy.  
• Cut Chicken – Slice chicken into about the same size pieces and thickness. You can also use chicken tenders to make this crispy oven fried chicken. This will ensure that it cooks about the same time.
• Extra Crunch – If you prefer your chicken to have extra crunch, turn your oven to broil and heat for a few minutes.

What to Serve with Oven Fried Chicken?

Oven Fried Chicken makes a delicious main dish recipes. Add your favorite side dish recipes such as Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Baked Mac and Cheese, Sautéed Green Beans and Homemade Crescent Rolls for a complete meal idea.

My kids love when they have Homemade Ranch Dressing, Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe and Homemade Barbecue Sauce to dip the chicken into when we serve them.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storing – Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap in aluminum foil for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating – Reheat in the oven or in an air fryer so that the leftovers are crispy when serving. 
• Freezing – Freeze the leftovers in a freezer safe container or freezer bags for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to reheat or reheat frozen.