- Marinate Chicken:
- In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This helps tenderize the chicken and enhances the flavor.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Prepare Coating Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This is your seasoned coating mixture.
- Coat Chicken:
- Take each chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
- Place on Wire Rack:
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack on the baking sheet. This elevates the chicken, allowing air to circulate around it for a crispier texture.
- Lightly Spray with Cooking Oil:
- Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of olive oil. This helps in achieving a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown, crispy exterior. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest:
- Allow the baked fried chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve the baked fried chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your healthier version of crispy and flavorful baked fried chicken!