Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
- Marinate Chicken: Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prepare Coating
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In another large bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off excess flour.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Spray Chicken: Lightly spray the top of each chicken piece with cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Serve
- Resting: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Serve: Serve the crispy baked chicken broast hot with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This crispy baked chicken broast offers a delightful crunch and flavorful experience, ideal for those seeking a healthier version of their favorite fried chicken. By baking instead of frying, you can enjoy this delicious meal guilt-free. It’s perfect for a family dinner and is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and comforting.