Who doesn’t love fried chicken? It’s a classic comfort food that brings back memories of picnics and family gatherings. But let’s face it, frying chicken can be messy and time-consuming. That’s why I’m here to share with you a delicious and easy alternative: oven-fried chicken!

A Healthier Twist on Fried Chicken

This oven-fried chicken recipe is just as crispy, flavorful, and satisfying as traditional fried chicken, but with a fraction of the oil. By baking instead of frying, you can cut down on the excess oil and still enjoy a delicious meal.

Simple Ingredients, Fantastic Results

You’ll be pleased to know that this recipe calls for simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken thighs (or any other chicken pieces you prefer)
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper
  • Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • Eggs
  • Paprika
  • Vegetable oil

Easy Steps to Oven-Fried Goodness

Making oven-fried chicken is a breeze! Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:

  1. Dredge the chicken thighs in flour, season with salt and pepper.
  2. Coat the chicken with beaten eggs.
  3. Roll the chicken in bread crumbs.
  4. Place the breaded chicken in a baking dish and sprinkle with paprika.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes, flip the chicken, and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Drain the oven-fried chicken on paper towels before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your oven-fried chicken is ready, it’s time to think about what to serve with it. You can enjoy it with classic fried chicken sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our collection of classic side dishes for fried chicken.

Leftovers? No Problem!

If you happen to have any leftover oven-fried chicken, don’t worry! Simply store it in a shallow, airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Community Tips and Praise

Don’t just take my word for it! Here are some comments from our Allrecipes community who have tried and loved this oven-fried chicken recipe:

  • “Oh goodness, is this a delicious recipe! I used drumsticks and altered the coating a bit: I used plain bread crumbs and added garlic and red pepper flakes to the mix.” – JENMI
  • “I used Panko breadcrumbs, added my own preference of seasonings to the flour, and baked it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It came out nicely crisp on the outside and nice and juicy on the inside, with lots of flavor.” – jomom75
  • “I line my baking dish with foil and use vegetable oil spray to keep from sticking and lower calories. Makes for easier clean-up.” – Jana Nelson Scheidler

Now it’s your turn to give this oven-fried chicken recipe a try. I’m sure it will become a new favorite in your household! Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of fried chicken, all without the fuss and mess of traditional frying methods.

Bonus Recipe: Brown sugar caramel pound cake 

The aroma of freshly baked cake, the rich caramel drizzle, and the satisfying sweetness of brown sugar – these are the elements that come together in the irresistible Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake. This delectable dessert is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and the delightful experience that this cake offers.

The Ingredients

The beauty of the Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake lies in its simplicity, using everyday ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Here are the key components:

  1. Butter: 1 ½ cups of softened butter form the base of the cake, lending a rich, creamy texture and a buttery flavor that is quintessential in pound cakes.
  2. Brown Sugar: A combination of 2 cups of light brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar provides the cake with its distinctive sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
  3. Eggs: 5 large eggs add moisture, structure, and richness to the cake batter.
  4. Flour: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, combined with baking powder and a pinch of salt, give the cake its structure and texture.
  5. Milk: 1 cup of whole milk adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
  6. Toffee Chips: A delightful addition, a bag of toffee chips (such as Heath) adds bits of toffee goodness, creating pockets of sweetness throughout the cake.
  7. Pecans: Chopped pecans, 1 cup, provide a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramel.

The Preparation

Creating this heavenly cake involves several straightforward steps:

  1. Preparing the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare a 12-cup Bundt pan by either spraying it with cooking spray or greasing it and dusting it with flour.
  2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy. Add the brown and granulated sugars, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Adding the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step helps create a smooth and even texture.
  4. Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet batter, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
  5. Adding Toffee Chips and Pecans: Stir in the toffee chips and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Baking: Spoon the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for approximately 85 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the cake comes out clean. To prevent excessive browning, you can cover the cake with foil while baking.
  7. Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

The Caramel Drizzle

No Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake would be complete without its signature caramel drizzle. Here’s how to make it:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking for 8 minutes until the caramel thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool for 5 minutes before using.

The Experience of Enjoyment

Slicing into a Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is a moment of sheer delight. The cake’s texture is perfectly tender, with the toffee chips adding pockets of sweetness and the pecans providing a satisfying crunch. The rich and buttery flavor of the cake pairs seamlessly with the luscious caramel drizzle, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on the palate.

In conclusion, the Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. With readily available ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, it delivers a dessert that is both delicious and satisfying. This cake is a delightful addition to any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a special celebration.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that brings together the goodness of brown sugar, the allure of caramel, and the comfort of a classic pound cake, consider whipping up this easy and budget-friendly masterpiece. Share it with loved ones, savor each bite, and relish in the delightful experience that is the Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake.