Baked Fried Chicken

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### **Instructions**:

#### Step 1: **Marinate the Chicken**
Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk to ensure it stays juicy and tender. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and let them soak in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For the best flavor, you can also refrigerate the chicken overnight for maximum tenderness.

#### Step 2: **Prepare the Breading**
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading. In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful coating for the chicken.

#### Step 3: **Coat the Chicken**
Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Press gently to ensure the breading sticks, and shake off any excess flour.

#### Step 4: **Prepare for Baking**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. Placing the chicken on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, giving it a crispy texture on all sides. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil to help it crisp up in the oven.

#### Step 5: **Bake the Chicken**
Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly. Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

#### Step 6: **Serve & Enjoy!**
Once your baked fried chicken is crispy and fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure your chicken stays moist. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

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### **Tips for Perfect Baked Fried Chicken:**

– **Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness**: For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice.
– **Use Bone-In Pieces**: Bone-in chicken, such as drumsticks or thighs, tends to stay juicier than boneless pieces.
– **Crisp Up with a Wire Rack**: Using a wire rack to bake the chicken allows the heat to circulate and promotes an even, crispy crust all over the chicken.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Leave enough space between each chicken piece so that the heat can circulate around them, ensuring an even cook and crisp.

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### **Conclusion:**

With this **Baked Fried Chicken** recipe, you can enjoy the irresistible crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken without the hassle or mess of deep frying. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a crowd-pleasing dish, this easy and flavorful recipe is sure to be a hit!

Try it out next time you’re craving fried chicken—baked to perfection, every time!