Oven Fried Chicken

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This Oven Fried Chicken recipe yields crispy and juicy each time! A lighter version of everyone’s favorite comfort food.

If your house is anything like mine, fried chicken is a favorite. It is the epitome of comfort food and just screams Sunday dinner. Traditionally fried chicken is, well fried. And while delicious it can be a bit time consuming and messy to make.

This is where Oven Fried Chicken comes into play. It’s just as juicy, crispy and delicious as it’s deep fried counterpart but it is quite a bit easier to get on your table. 

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it. 

Oven Fried Chicken Ingredients:

• CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS: Drumsticks are, by far our favorite when we have any kind of fried chicken. They are easy to eat, an inexpensive cut and tender and, because they have more fat than chicken breasts, are tender and juicy. 
• FLOUR: All purpose flour is perfect for this. This will give the egg/milk wash something to stick to. 
• POULTRY SEASONING: A popular spice mix for seasoning chicken typically made with sage, thyme, celery seed, marjoram and pepper. 
• SALT/PEPPER: To season both the flour and the breadcrumb mixture.
• EGG/MILK: To create a binder that will help the breadcrumbs stick to the drumsticks. 
• HOT SAUCE: I add this to the egg/milk wash to give it a bit of a kick. It’s not too spicy but if you’re worried, you can omit it. 
• PANKO BREADCRUMBS: Add the perfect amount of crunch to this oven fried chicken. 
• GRANULATED GARLIC: To season the breadcrumbs. 
• CANOLA OIL: While this chicken is not fried, you do need oil to help it brown in the oven. I recommend using canola  or another neutral flavored oil like vegetable or peanut. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Setting up an assembly line is going to make this process of making Oven Fried Chicken very smooth. You’ll find it super easy, just follow along with these step by step photos and instructions.

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• STEP #1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• STEP #2: Set up your assembly line. You will need 3 bowls. Combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and poultry seasoning in together in one bowl. In another bowl add together egg, milk and hot sauce. Whisk together. In a third bowl combine panko breadcrumbs, remaining salt and pepper and granulated garlic.
• STEP #3 Dredge the chicken drumsticks into the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess.
• STEP #4: Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture. Let any excess drip off.
• STEP #5: Dredge the chicken drumsticks into the seasoned bread crumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere.
• STEP #6: Pour 1/2 cup of oil onto a 10″x15″ rimmed baking sheet. Place chicken drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with a little more oil, bake for 25 minutes, turn and bake for another 20 – 25 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot.

Storage and Leftovers:

We love fried chicken hot or cold around here and this Oven Fried Chicken is no different. It does reheat nicely in the air fryer (at 400 degrees for a couple minutes) or in a 325 degree oven until warmed through.

Our favorite way to serve this Oven Fried Chicken with Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon. It is pure comfort!

Looking for more chicken recipes? Try these!

Deep Fried Chicken Wings have been one of the most popular recipes on my blog for years and constantly get rave reviews!

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a family favorite!

Cheesy Baked Chicken Tacos are perfect for your next taco night!

Note: Originally published in 2009. Updated in 2024 with an improved recipe, step by step photos and nutrition information.