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Baked crispy chicken has become a beloved staple in home cooking, captivating the hearts (and stomachs) of families everywhere. Unlike its fried counterpart, baked chicken offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor and crunch. As more people seek to balance taste with nutrition, oven-baked chicken recipes have soared in popularity, allowing cooks to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the excess oil and calories associated with frying.

Baked Crispy Chicken

Discover the irresistible Crunchy Delight Baked Crispy Chicken, a healthy and delicious oven-baked alternative to fried chicken. This family-friendly dish features juicy chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated with a crunchy panko crust, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Elevate your meal with tasty sides and dips for a complete experience everyone will love. Enjoy crunch without the guilt! #BakedChicken #HealthyRecipes #ComfortFood #FamilyDinner #CrunchyChicken #HomeCooking #DinnerIdeas
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

      Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, flour, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will create a crunchy coating.

        Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick coating adheres.

          Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispiness, spray or lightly drizzle them with cooking spray or olive oil.

            Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If desired, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve maximum crispiness, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

              Serve: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

                Prep Time: 1 hour + marinating | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Servings: 4