Crispy Oven-Baked Southern Chicken
This Crispy Oven-Baked Southern Chicken recipe takes the classic flavors of fried chicken and offers a healthier twist. Marinated in a spicy and flavorful mixture of eggs, Tabasco, onions, and garlic, the chicken pieces are coated in a blend of flour and cornmeal, providing the perfect crunch without the need for frying. Bake to golden perfection, achieving a crispy texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner, this dish is served hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy this quintessential comfort food that's not just delicious but also oven-baked for a lighter option.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggs
3 (beaten)
Tabasco sauce
3 tablespoons
medium onion
1 (sliced 1/4-inch thick)
garlic cloves
2 (smashed and peeled)
whole chicken
1 (cut into 8 pieces)
flour
1/3 cup
fine yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup
coarse salt
3/4 teaspoon
sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
olive oil
1/4 cup (for brushing)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl or baking dish, combine the beaten eggs, Tabasco sauce, sliced onion, and smashed garlic. Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a rimmed baking sheet on the center rack to heat up.
3
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, coarse salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined. Remove the chicken from the marinade and roll each piece in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess coating. Discard the marinade.
4
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces on the preheated baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and lightly brush the top of each piece with olive oil. Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking, brushing the tops with oil every 10 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes more.
5
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. This allows excess oil to drain off and keeps the skin crispy. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, sides, or salads.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Oven-Baked Southern Chicken?
It is a healthier twist on classic southern fried chicken that uses a marinade of eggs and Tabasco and a cornmeal-flour coating to achieve a crispy texture in the oven.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs, beaten, for the marinade.
What are the ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of beaten eggs, Tabasco sauce, a sliced medium onion, and smashed garlic cloves.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 1 hour, though letting it sit overnight allows for better flavor development.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
Do I need to preheat the baking sheet?
Yes, placing a rimmed baking sheet on the center rack while the oven preheats helps the chicken get crispy.
What spices are used in the flour coating?
The coating includes coarse salt, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper.
What kind of flour and cornmeal should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of fine yellow cornmeal.
How many pieces of chicken does this recipe use?
The recipe is designed for one whole chicken cut into 8 pieces.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from the 3 tablespoons of Tabasco sauce in the marinade and the cayenne pepper in the coating.
How do I coat the chicken pieces?
Remove the chicken from the marinade and roll each piece in the flour and cornmeal mixture, shaking off any excess.
What should I do with the leftover marinade?
The marinade should be discarded once the chicken has been coated.
How long do I bake the chicken before adding oil?
Bake the coated chicken for an initial 20 minutes before brushing it with olive oil.
How much olive oil is used for brushing?
You will need approximately 1/4 cup of olive oil for brushing the chicken during the baking process.
How often should I brush the chicken with oil?
After the first 20 minutes, brush the tops with olive oil every 10 minutes until finished.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time ranges from 50 to 60 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Why should I use a wire rack after cooking?
Transferring the chicken to a wire rack allows excess oil to drain and keeps the skin from getting soggy.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 2 garlic cloves should be smashed and peeled before being added to the marinade.
How should the onion be sliced?
One medium onion should be sliced 1/4-inch thick for the marinade.
Is this recipe a healthy alternative to frying?
Yes, it provides the crunch of fried chicken by using an oven-baked method with less oil.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 3/4 teaspoon of coarse salt.
Can I use sweet paprika?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of sweet paprika is used to add flavor and color to the coating.
What amount of cayenne pepper is required?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat in the breading.
What is the best way to serve this chicken?
It is best served warm with your favorite dipping sauces, sides, or salads.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Absolutely, it is described as a quintessential comfort food perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
How much Tabasco sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of Tabasco sauce.
Can I use yellow cornmeal?
Yes, fine yellow cornmeal is an essential part of the crispy coating.
What should I do if I want it even crispier?
Ensure the baking sheet is preheated and the chicken is placed on a wire rack immediately after baking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the chicken, spices, and marinade components.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The provided data does not specify exact serving sizes or nutritional counts, but it uses one whole chicken.