How to Make Perfectly Crispy Baked Chicken

Are you tired of making bland and dry baked chicken? Do you want to know how to achieve that crispy texture without the added calories of frying? Look no further! With just a few simple steps, you can make perfectly crispy baked chicken every time.

First, start with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. This ensures that the meat stays juicy and the skin crisps up nicely. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture and season with your favorite blend of herbs and spices. Then, coat the chicken in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Finally, place the chicken on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and bake in the oven until golden brown and cooked through. With these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious and crispy chicken dinner in no time!

Section: How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken

Have you ever tried baking chicken and ended up with a soggy and unappetizing piece of meat? If your answer is yes, then you’re not alone. Many of us face this challenge when baking chicken. However, worry no more, because in this article, we will share with you the secrets of making crispy baked chicken every time.

1. It Starts with the Right Cut
To get the best results, it’s essential to choose the right cut of chicken. You can opt for chicken leg quarters, chicken wings, chicken drumsticks, or chicken thighs. These cuts of chicken are perfect for making crispy baked chicken because they contain a relatively high amount of fat, which is what you need to create a crispy crust.

2. Brine Your Chicken
Brining is the process of soaking the chicken in a mixture of salt and water. This process helps to keep the chicken moist and tender while also adding flavor. You can add herbs and spices to the brine mixture for extra flavor.

3. Pat the Chicken Dry
After the brining process, remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture will prevent the chicken from getting crispy.

4. Use a Generous Amount of Salt and Spices
Rub the chicken with a generous amount of salt and your desired spices. Salt helps to draw out moisture from the skin, creating a crispy crust. Spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper add flavor to the chicken.

5. Add Breadcrumbs or Flour
For extra crispy chicken, dredge the chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs or flour. This step adds an extra layer of crunch to the chicken and helps to hold in the moisture, keeping the chicken juicy.

6. Rack It Up
Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Elevating the chicken on a rack allows heat to circulate around the chicken, cooking the chicken evenly and allowing the excess moisture to evaporate.

7. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). A hot oven is crucial to achieving crispy baked chicken.

8. Bake Until the Chicken Reaches an Internal Temperature of 165°F (74°C)
Bake your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baking time depends on the cut of chicken you are using, but it usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes.

9. Rest the Chicken
After removing the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful chicken.

10. Enjoy!
Now that you know the secrets to making crispy baked chicken, it’s time to enjoy it. Serve with your favorite sides, and savor the crunchy crust and juicy meat.

Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken

To make crispy baked chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Chicken Pieces – You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces, or just use chicken drumsticks, wings, thighs, or breast pieces.

2. Flour – It helps to give the chicken a crispy crust.

3. Cornstarch – This ingredient also helps to make the chicken coating extra crispy.

4. Baking Powder – It enhances the crispiness of the chicken and gives it a golden-brown color.

5. Salt – Season the chicken to taste.

6. Black Pepper – For added flavor and spice.

7. Paprika – Adds color and flavor to the chicken coating.

8. Garlic Powder – Adds a delicious and savory taste to the chicken.

9. Buttermilk – It makes the chicken juicy and tender.

10. Cooking Spray – To grease the baking pan.

Preparation Steps for Crispy Baked Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients, follow these steps to make your own crispy baked chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder together.

3. Add the buttermilk to a separate bowl.

4. Dip each chicken piece in the buttermilk, making sure it’s coated evenly.

5. Next, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to make sure it’s well-coated.

6. Place the chicken pieces in a greased baking pan, ensuring there’s enough space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

7. Lightly coat the chicken with cooking spray to increase its crispiness.

8. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is crispy and golden-brown.

9. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

10. Serve the crispy baked chicken pieces with your choice of dipping sauce or sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Follow these tips to make your perfect crispy baked chicken the next time and enjoy the meal with friends and family.

The Ingredients

To make crispy baked chicken, you will need some specific ingredients that will help to achieve the desired, crispy texture. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

Chicken

The first ingredient on the list is chicken, which is the star of this recipe. Chicken thighs or drumsticks work best for crispy baked chicken, as they have dark meat and a higher fat content that makes them juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.

Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese

Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese are a winning combination for achieving that crispy, crunchy texture. The breadcrumbs should be seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, which will help to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

The parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the chicken and breadcrumbs. The combination of breadcrumbs and cheese creates a crunchy and savory coating that’s hard to resist.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to coat the chicken and breadcrumbs, allowing the coating to stick to the chicken while it cooks. It also helps to create a golden brown, crispy exterior.

Garlic Powder and Paprika

Garlic powder and paprika are essential spices in this recipe. The garlic powder adds a savory flavor to the chicken, while paprika adds a slight smokiness and a beautiful orange color. These spices work together to enhance the flavor and appearance of the chicken.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are always important to season any dish to taste. In this recipe, they work to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and add dimension to the chicken’s taste. Just be sure not to overdo it with the salt, especially if you used salted breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

Thanks for Reading! Come Back Soon for More Cooking Tips

Now that you have the secrets to making crispy baked chicken at your fingertips, make sure to give it a try and let us know how it goes. Remember to use the simple ingredients mentioned earlier and to follow the easy steps to achieve the perfect crunch. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for your family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to bookmark our website for future mouth-watering recipes and cooking tips! Happy cooking!