How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken

Are you tired of making chicken that turns out soggy and flavorless in the oven? Do you want to know the secret to achieving that perfect crispy finish that you typically only find when fried? Look no further because we’ve got you covered!

Although achieving a crispy chicken in the oven may seem like a daunting task, it’s actually quite simple with a few key techniques. By coating the chicken in flavorful seasonings and utilizing the right cooking methods, you can have crispy and juicy chicken straight out of the oven. So, let’s dive into the details on how to achieve this delicious dish that will surely impress your family and friends!

Introduction:

Crispy chicken is a classic dish that everyone enjoys. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a party, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. While many people associate crispy chicken with deep-frying or pan-frying, you can also make it in the oven. This not only cuts down on the amount of oil needed but also allows you to cook larger batches at once. Here is how to make chicken crispy in the oven:

1. Choose the Right Cut

One of the keys to making crispy chicken in the oven is choosing the right cut. While you can use any part of the chicken, bone-in cuts tend to work best. This is due to their higher fat content, which helps the chicken stay moist and crispy during cooking. Some popular bone-in cuts for crispy chicken include drumsticks, thighs, and wings.

2. Preheat the Oven

Before you start cooking the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F. This gives the oven enough time to reach the desired temperature, which ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. It also helps to use a baking sheet or wire rack to help the hot air circulate around the chicken, promoting even browning.

3. Season the Chicken

Seasoning is essential when it comes to making crispy chicken. You can use a range of spices and herbs to flavor the chicken, such as paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. It’s best to mix the spices in a small bowl and rub them onto the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. This not only adds flavor but also helps to create a crispy, flavorful coating.

4. Coat the Chicken

Coating the chicken is a crucial step in making it crispy. While you can use flour, breadcrumbs, or cornmeal, cornstarch is an excellent choice for oven-baked chicken. It helps to create a light, crispy coating that won’t become soggy during cooking. Simply dip each piece of chicken in the cornstarch, shake off any excess, and place it on the baking sheet.

5. Use Oil Sparingly

While you don’t need to deep-fry the chicken to make it crispy, a little bit of oil can help. However, it’s best to use it sparingly. Too much oil can soak into the coating, making it greasy and lead to uneven browning. Instead, brush a small amount of oil onto each piece of chicken before placing it in the oven.

6. Flip the Chicken

To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, flip it halfway through the cooking time. This helps to ensure that both sides of the chicken are crispy and golden brown. Use tongs to turn the chicken over, being careful not to break the coating. If you’re using a wire rack, you can also rotate the baking sheet to promote more even browning.

7. Check Internal Temperature

To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends that chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. This not only ensures that the chicken is safe to eat but also helps to ensure that it’s moist and flavorful.

8. Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps to lock in the juices and ensures that the chicken stays moist. It also makes it easier to handle and serve.

9. Serve with Dipping Sauce

While crispy chicken is delicious on its own, it’s even better with a dipping sauce. You can use a range of sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. Just make sure to choose a sauce that complements the flavors of the chicken.

10. Make Ahead and Reheat

If you’re hosting a party or need to make a large batch of crispy chicken, you can make it ahead and reheat it before serving. To do this, cook the chicken as you normally would, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven until it’s crispy and hot.

Conclusion:

Making crispy chicken in the oven is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic dish. With the right cut, seasoning, and coating, you can achieve a crispy, golden brown exterior that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a party, crispy chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.

10 Tips to Make the Best Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken

If you are looking for a healthier and easier way to make crispy chicken in the oven, then you have come to the right place. Here are some tips and tricks to make the best crispy oven-baked chicken every time.

1. Preheat the Oven: Always preheat the oven before starting to cook. This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly, and the outside stays crispy.

2. Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and coating it. This will help crispy chicken skin to form while cooking.

3. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with simple salt and pepper or choose other seasoning options like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, among others, to add some flavor.

4. Use Buttermilk or Yogurt: Dip the chicken in buttermilk or yogurt before coating it with breadcrumbs. These dairy products tenderize the meat while giving it a tangy taste.

5. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter, airier, and crisp up more quickly than regular breadcrumbs. So, when used to coat chicken, they give it an extra crispy texture.

6. Use a Rack: Place a rack on a baking sheet to elevate the chicken off the pan. This not only promotes even cooking but also allows air to circulate, resulting in a crispier crust.

7. Lightly Spray the Chicken: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush it with some olive oil before cooking. It helps the chicken to get crispy and browned.

8. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken enough space on the pan to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

9. Avoid Flipping the Chicken: Do not flip the chicken too many times while cooking. This will prevent the breading from coming off and ensures that it stays crispy.

10. Let the Chicken Rest: Resting the chicken for five minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute. This will help keep your chicken juicy, tender, and delicious.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have juicy, crispy, and delicious chicken that you and your family will love to devour. Enjoy!

Top Tips for Getting Perfectly Crispy Chicken in the Oven

When it comes to making crispy chicken in the oven, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure you get the perfect result every time. Here are our top tips:

1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs

When it comes to breading your chicken, it’s important to choose the right type of breadcrumb. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and more airy than traditional breadcrumbs, which helps to create a crispy coating on your chicken. You can find Panko breadcrumbs in most grocery stores, and they work well for chicken breasts, thighs, and drumsticks.

2. Opt for a Buttermilk Soak

Before breading your chicken, consider soaking it in buttermilk. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. It also helps the breading to stick better to the chicken, which can help to create a more even coating. Simply dip your chicken in buttermilk and let it sit for at least an hour before breading and baking.

3. Don’t Overcrowd Your Baking Sheet

When it comes to baking your chicken, it’s important not to overcrowd your baking sheet. If the chicken is too close together, the heat won’t circulate properly, and you may end up with soggy chicken instead of crispy chicken. Make sure you leave enough space between each piece of chicken and use multiple baking sheets if necessary.

4. Use a Wire Rack

One way to ensure your chicken gets crispy all over is to cook it on a wire rack. By elevating the chicken off the baking sheet, the hot air can circulate around it more easily, which helps to create an even, golden-brown crust. You can buy wire racks specifically for baking, or simply use a cooling rack that you already have in your kitchen.

5. Finish with a Broil

If you want to take your crispy chicken to the next level, consider finishing it off with a broil. This will help to create a super-crispy outer layer, while leaving the meat inside juicy and tender. Simply turn on your broiler for the last few minutes of cooking, watching carefully to ensure the chicken doesn’t burn.

Summary

If you follow these simple tips, you’re sure to end up with perfectly crispy chicken every time. From using Panko breadcrumbs to finishing with a broil, these small changes can make a big difference in the texture and flavor of your chicken. So, go ahead and get breading and baking – your taste buds will thank you!

Now go make some crispy chicken!

Thanks for reading this article on how to make crispy chicken in the oven. We hope these tips and tricks have helped you achieve the perfect chicken dish. Don’t forget to visit our website again soon for more easy and delicious recipes. And remember, cooking is all about experimenting and enjoying the process. So have fun in the kitchen and happy cooking!