Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken
Indulge in the savory delight of Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken, a healthier twist on classic fried chicken. This oven-fried recipe combines tender chicken marinated in a rich buttermilk mixture infused with Dijon mustard and zesty hot pepper sauce, delivering incredible flavor and moisture. Coated with a crunchy blend of unseasoned breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, each piece is baked to crispy perfection while being generously drizzled with melted butter. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this mouthwatering chicken is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
buttermilk
1 1/4 cups (None)
olive oil
1/4 cup (None)
Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons (None)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
hot pepper sauce
3 tablespoons (None)
salt
2 teaspoons (Divided)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Divided)
onion
1 large (sliced)
chicken pieces
12 (None)
unseasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup (None)
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
flour
1/4 cup (None)
thyme
2 teaspoons (Dried)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (None)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, olive oil, hot pepper sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper until well combined.
2
Add the sliced onion to the bowl, followed by the chicken pieces. Turn the chicken to ensure each piece is fully coated in the marinade.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least three hours, or up to 24 hours, turning the chicken occasionally to maximize flavor absorption.
4
In a separate large baking dish, combine the unseasoned breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, flour, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
5
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Roll each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated.
6
Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to dry for about 30 minutes. This helps create a crispier texture when baking.
7
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
8
Once preheated, arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a large baking dish, leaving space between them for even cooking.
9
Drizzle the melted butter generously over the chicken to enhance flavor and crispiness.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
11
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute for ultimate tenderness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken?
It is a healthier oven-fried alternative to classic fried chicken, featuring a buttermilk and Dijon marinade with a parmesan and breadcrumb coating.
How long should I marinate the chicken pieces?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least three hours, but can be left for up to 24 hours for better flavor.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken typically takes approximately 50 minutes to bake until golden brown and fully cooked.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Why should I let the chicken dry on a wire rack before baking?
Letting the coated chicken dry for 30 minutes on a wire rack helps create a crispier texture once it is baked.
What ingredients are in the buttermilk marinade?
The marinade consists of buttermilk, olive oil, hot pepper sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sliced onion.
How much butter is used to drizzle over the chicken?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter to be drizzled over the chicken before baking.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
You should use 1 cup of unseasoned breadcrumbs for the coating mixture.
Is parmesan cheese included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese is mixed into the breadcrumb coating.
How much hot pepper sauce is included?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of hot pepper sauce in the buttermilk marinade.
What spices are added to the breading mixture?
The breading includes dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Should I rest the chicken after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Do I need to use flour in the coating?
Yes, 1/4 cup of flour is mixed with the breadcrumbs and parmesan for the coating.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of minced garlic.
How much buttermilk do I need?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk for the marinade.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
It is described as a healthier twist on classic fried chicken because it is oven-baked rather than deep-fried.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Should the onion be cooked before adding to the marinade?
No, one large onion should be sliced and added raw to the marinade bowl with the chicken.
How much olive oil is used?
The marinade includes 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, but fresh can be used if adjusted for potency.
Is there any heat or spice in this chicken?
Yes, the recipe uses both hot pepper sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a zesty flavor.
How much salt is used in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of salt is used, divided between the marinade and the coating.
How many chicken pieces does this recipe cover?
The ingredient list is designed for 12 chicken pieces.
What is the purpose of the paprika in the recipe?
Paprika is used in the breading mixture to add flavor and help achieve a golden brown color.
Do I need to turn the chicken while it marinates?
Yes, you should turn the chicken occasionally while it is in the refrigerator to maximize flavor absorption.
How should I arrange the chicken in the baking dish?
Arrange the pieces in a large baking dish, leaving enough space between them for even cooking.
What should I do before rolling the chicken in breadcrumbs?
Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drip off.
Can the butter be substituted?
The recipe specifies melted butter for drizzling to enhance flavor and crispiness, which is a key part of the 'oven-fried' texture.
How much black pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pepper in the marinade.