Description
Barefoot Contessa Oven Fried Chicken delivers crispy Southern comfort without deep-frying complications. Rich buttermilk marinade and seasoned panko coating create irresistible golden-brown chicken that rivals classic restaurant versions while keeping your kitchen clean and hassle-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 whole chickens (1.36 kg / 3 lbs each), cut into eight serving pieces
- 1 litre (1 quart) buttermilk
Dry Ingredients:
- 240g (8.5 ounces) plain flour
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil or vegetable shortening for frying
Instructions
- Transfer chicken pieces into a spacious mixing container, completely submerge with buttermilk. Seal tightly with plastic wrap and allow to marinate in refrigerator for 12-16 hours, enabling deep flavor penetration.
- Calibrate oven temperature to 175°C (fan) / 190°C (conventional) / 350°F, ensuring precise heating environment.
- Create seasoned flour mixture by thoroughly blending all-purpose flour with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper in a wide, shallow receptacle. Ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Meticulously coat each chicken segment with seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete and uniform coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a robust, heavy-bottomed stockpot to 182°C (360°F), monitoring temperature with a reliable kitchen thermometer. Carefully introduce chicken pieces in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry approximately 3 minutes per side until exterior develops a golden-brown, crispy texture. Transfer partially cooked chicken to a wire cooling rack positioned over a rimmed baking sheet.
- After completing frying process, transfer chicken-laden rack into preheated oven. Roast for 30-40 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) to guarantee thorough cooking and eliminate any potential bacterial risks.
- Extract chicken from oven, allowing brief resting period to redistribute internal moisture. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal crispness and temperature.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for maximum tenderness: Buttermilk works magic by breaking down chicken proteins, creating incredibly juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
- Monitor oil temperature precisely: Using a cooking thermometer ensures perfectly crispy golden coating without burning or undercooking your chicken.
- Batch frying prevents soggy disaster: Giving each piece enough space in the hot oil maintains consistent crispiness and prevents temperature drops.
- Reheat oil between batches: Allowing oil to return to optimal temperature guarantees each chicken piece gets the same delicious crispy exterior.
- Finish in the oven for perfect doneness: Baking completes the cooking process, ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked while maintaining that irresistible crunchy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg