Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

Ok y'all (in my Paula Deen voice), whoever doesn't love southern fried chicken doesn't know what they are missing!  If you are looking for a healthy and grease popping free alternative to traditional fried chicken then try this recipe.  I love this oven baked version because it leaves out the greasiness without sacrificing the flavor.  And you don't have to worry about closing all the bedroom and closet doors in the house to keep the fried smell out (anybody know what I'm talking about).  I remember going to Wednesday night bible class and all my friends knew what we had for dinner; "y'all had fried chicken?"  I'm not saying it smells bad, but it penetrates!  Additionally, if the grease is too hot, you end up smelling like burnt oil instead of fried bird.

I found this recipe from DivasCanCook.com.  I followed this recipe to the T and it turned out perfectly crispy and juicy just like she says.  Her chicken got done in only 40 minutes.  But as massive as chicken legs are nowadays, I had to bake mine longer; 375 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.  (Please don't get me started.  The environmentalist inside me is just itching to write another paragraph on sustainable farming methods.  But, I digress.  Just know what you are eating, don't get hung up on the labels, and buy organic when you can.)

I'm amazed at how the chicken gets so moist on the inside with out compromising the crunchiness on the outside... while baking in an oven... brilliant!  I recommend doubling the spice recipe if you are cooking a family pack like I did.  And I highly recommend using a grill pan rack.  That's the only way to cook it with out getting soggy.  I served mine with collard greens, stuffing, beans and rice, and cranberry sauce.  (Thanksgiving preview right? lol)

prep work

critical step: don't forget to sprinkle on that butter and evoo

Continue reading for the recipe:

Author: Divas Can Cook
Serves: 4

Ingredients
2 lbs chicken, cut up
½ teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon white or black pepper
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 egg
½ cup milk
2-3 dashes hot sauce (optional)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2-3 Tablespoons butter (melted)
2 Tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400
Wash and dry the chicken.
Sprinkle the chicken with paprika
Combine the remaining spices in a small bowl.
Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the chicken and reserve the other half for the flour.
Use your hands to distribute the seasonings all over the chicken
Add flour to a separate bowl.
Pour in the other half of the seasoning mixture. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
In a small bowl add in the egg, milk and a few dashes of hot sauce. Whisk to combine.
Set a plate aside to place the chicken on once you’re done dipping them.
First dip the chicken into the egg mixture with one hand. Let excess drip off.
With the other hand place the chicken in the flour and coat. Using different hands keeps the flour from becoming clumpy.
Shake off the excess flour and place the chicken on the plate.
Let chicken sit for 5 minutes. Recoat in flour if desired.
Generously grease a grill pan rack with vegetable oil.
Place the chicken on the grill rack.
Mix butter and olive oil and drizzle over chicken.
Bake for 40 minutes. Broil for the last 3-4 minutes to crisp up the skin more if desired.
Let chicken rest before serving.

Recipe from Divas Can Cook . " Old School Cooking For the Modern Woman"