Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Preparation of the chicken pieces
- Soaking the chicken in buttermilk
- Creating the flour coating mixture
- Coating the chicken with flour mixture
- Baking the chicken in the oven
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Ingredients:
In order to create the perfect oven-fried buttermilk chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Preparation of the chicken pieces
To prepare the chicken pieces for oven-fried buttermilk chicken, there are several steps to follow:
1. Start by selecting your chicken pieces. You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces or specific parts like drumsticks or thighs. Make sure the pieces are of similar size for even cooking.
2. Next, you’ll want to season the chicken. You can use a combination of spices and herbs to add flavor. Popular options include salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. Coat the chicken pieces generously with the seasoning mixture.
3. The next step is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk. Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a bowl and pour enough buttermilk over them to fully coat. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to bread the pieces. Prepare a mixture of flour and additional seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and paprika. Take each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
5. Finally, place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased wire rack. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C), and bake the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, typically for 30-40 minutes.
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk is a crucial step in preparing oven-fried chicken. Buttermilk not only adds flavor to the chicken but also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy and moist chicken.
When chicken is soaked in buttermilk, the acid in the buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the meat, which in turn helps to make the chicken more tender. Additionally, the tanginess of the buttermilk helps to enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
Before soaking the chicken, it is recommended to season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. This helps to infuse the flavors into the meat during the soaking process.
It is important to let the chicken soak in the buttermilk for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and for the tenderizing process to take place.
In conclusion, soaking the chicken in buttermilk is a simple yet crucial step in preparing delicious oven-fried chicken, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and tender.
Creating the flour coating mixture
Creating the flour coating mixture is a crucial step in making delicious oven-fried buttermilk chicken. The flour coating not only adds a crispy texture to the chicken but also enhances its flavor. To create the perfect flour coating mixture, you will need a combination of different seasonings and ingredients.
Start by combining all-purpose flour, which serves as the base of the coating. This flour will help make the chicken crispy when baked in the oven. To add flavor, you can mix in various spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like thyme or oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
To enhance the buttermilk flavor and ensure the coating adheres well to the chicken, you can also add a small amount of buttermilk powder to the flour mixture. This will bring out the tangy and creamy taste of buttermilk when the chicken is cooked.
Once all the ingredients are combined, whisk them together to ensure even distribution. This will ensure that every piece of chicken is coated evenly with the flour mixture, resulting in a flavorful and crispy coating when baked.
Now that you have created the perfect flour coating mixture, you are ready to move on to the next step of preparing the chicken and coating it with the flour mixture.
Coating the chicken with flour mixture
To coat the chicken with the flour mixture, start by combining all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients together.
Next, take a piece of chicken and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Press the chicken firmly into the mixture to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken aside on a separate plate or baking sheet.
Repeat this process for each piece of chicken, ensuring that they are all evenly coated with the flour mixture. If needed, you can add more flour mixture to the dish as you go.
Coating the chicken with the flour mixture is an important step in oven-fried buttermilk chicken as it creates a crispy and flavorful outer layer. The combination of spices in the flour mixture adds depth of flavor to the chicken, while the flour helps to absorb moisture from the buttermilk, resulting in a crispy texture when baked. It’s essential to coat the chicken evenly to ensure an even cooking and browning process in the oven.
Baking the chicken in the oven
Baking the chicken in the oven is a healthier alternative to frying, as it requires less oil and still produces a crispy and delicious result. To start, preheat your oven to the desired temperature, typically around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, prepare the chicken by marinating it in a buttermilk mixture to enhance the flavor and tenderness. After marinating for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Be sure to leave space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking. You can also place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to elevate the chicken and promote air circulation, resulting in a crispier texture. Bake the chicken for the recommended time, usually around 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Once the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Baking the chicken in the oven is a convenient and healthier way to enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken without the extra grease and calories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to say goodbye to boring chicken and elevate your meals with 500 delicious recipes, The Chicken Bible is the ultimate guide you need. With easy dinner ideas, braises, wings, stir-fries, and so much more, this book is a treasure trove of culinary inspiration. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, you’ll find endless possibilities to create mouthwatering chicken dishes for yourself, your family, and your friends. From classic comfort foods to exotic flavors, this book has it all.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your chicken game and impress everyone with your cooking skills. Grab your copy of The Chicken Bible today and take your taste buds on a journey they won’t forget. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Bible-Goodbye-Recipes-Stir-Fries/dp/1948703548/