Oven-Baked Extra Crunchy Chicken
Indulge in the classic taste of fried chicken without the guilt. This oven-baked extra crunchy chicken offers the same irresistible crispiness with a fraction of the fat content. Perfect for a family meal or getting the kids to love homemade 'nuggets', this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you prefer thighs, legs, or breasts, you'll enjoy a satisfying crunch with each bite. Prepare this delightful dish in advance and have it ready in time for dinner - a true family favorite with a crispy twist!
4
Servings
375
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken thighs
8 (none)
corn flakes
2 1/2 cups (processed into crumbs)
panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (none)
fat-free buttermilk
1 cup (none)
italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Place the skinless chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag and pour in the fat-free or low-fat buttermilk. Seal the bag, ensuring all pieces are well-coated, and allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 8 hours, depending on your schedule.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack on top for even crisping.
3
In a food processor, blend the corn flakes with Italian seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4
Transfer the corn flake mixture to a shallow dish or bowl and combine thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs.
5
Remove each marinated chicken thigh from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then coat both sides thoroughly with the crumb mixture. Place each thigh on the prepared wire rack. Repeat for all pieces, ensuring they are well-spaced on the rack.
6
Discard the leftover buttermilk and any unused crumb mixture for food safety.
7
Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes or until the pieces are golden brown, crunchy, and cooked through. The juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oven-Baked Extra Crunchy Chicken?
It is a healthier alternative to fried chicken that offers a crispy texture with significantly less fat by baking it in the oven.
Is this recipe healthier than traditional fried chicken?
Yes, it is oven-baked and uses fat-free or low-fat buttermilk, resulting in a lower fat content of 7.5g per serving.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What cut of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 skinless chicken thighs, but it can also be made with legs or breasts.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or legs.
What makes the chicken coating extra crunchy?
The combination of processed corn flakes and panko breadcrumbs creates the signature extra-crunchy texture.
What is the purpose of using buttermilk?
Buttermilk is used to marinate the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and allowing the crumb mixture to adhere better.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes and can be left for up to 8 hours.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What ingredients are in the crumb mixture?
The mixture includes corn flakes, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
How do I prepare the corn flakes for the coating?
Pulse the corn flakes in a food processor until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
Why is a wire rack used on the baking sheet?
A wire rack allows hot air to circulate under the chicken, ensuring it gets crispy on all sides.
Is this chicken recipe spicy?
It has a slight kick due to the inclusion of 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How long does it take to bake the chicken?
The chicken typically takes 30-35 minutes to bake.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready when it is golden brown and the juices run clear when the meat is pierced.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken by marinating it up to 8 hours in advance to save time at dinner.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly recipe and a great way to make healthy homemade chicken nuggets.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 40 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count?
One serving contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses Italian seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
What kind of buttermilk should I use?
The recipe recommends using fat-free or low-fat buttermilk.
Should I discard leftover marinade?
Yes, for food safety reasons, always discard any leftover buttermilk and unused crumb mixture.
How many ingredients are needed?
There are 8 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What should the texture of the corn flake crumbs be?
They should be processed until they look like coarse breadcrumbs.
Is the chicken skin-on or skinless?
This recipe specifically uses skinless chicken thighs.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Panko is recommended for its unique crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used if panko is unavailable.
Does the recipe use a lot of salt?
It uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt for the entire 4-serving batch.
Is this a good meal for a family?
Yes, it is described as a true family favorite and perfect for family meals.