Oven Fried Chicken: A Crispy, Juicy Revelation

There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly fried chicken. My earliest memories of it involve my grandmother’s kitchen, a symphony of sizzling sounds and the intoxicating aroma of her special blend of spices. While her method was traditional, involving a vat of hot oil, I’ve always been fascinated by ways to achieve that same crispy exterior and succulent interior with a bit less fuss and, dare I say, a touch more healthfulness. This Martha Stewart Living oven-fried chicken recipe, for me, struck that perfect balance, proving that you don’t need to deep-fry to achieve culinary bliss. It’s a weeknight wonder that feels like a weekend treat, a testament to smart cooking that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes + at least 1 hour marinating time
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes + marinating time
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

This recipe relies on a simple yet effective marinade to infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken, followed by a rustic coating that bakes to a delightful crisp.

For the Marinade:

• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
• 1 medium onion, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces

For the Coating:

• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/4 cup fine yellow cornmeal
• 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Brushing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

Equipment Needed

To bring this oven-fried chicken to life, you’ll need a few kitchen staples:

• A large bowl or baking dish for marinating
• A medium bowl for the flour mixture
• A rimmed baking sheet
• A whisk
• A wire rack
• A pastry brush (for brushing the chicken with oil)

Instructions

The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, yet impactful, preparation. The marinating step is crucial for flavor, and the oven does the heavy lifting for achieving that coveted crisp.

1. Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl or baking dish, combine the beaten eggs, Tabasco sauce, sliced onion, and smashed garlic cloves. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Add the cut-up pieces of chicken to the marinade. Toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is completely coated.
3. Cover the bowl or dish and refrigerate the chicken. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, or for an even deeper flavor infusion, overnight.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a rimmed baking sheet on the center rack of the oven to preheat. This step is vital for achieving a crisp bottom crust on the chicken.
5. While the oven heats, prepare the dry coating mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, fine yellow cornmeal, coarse salt, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper.
6. Once the marinating time is complete, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade. As you handle each piece, roll it generously in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
7. Discard the marinade. It has done its job of flavoring and tenderizing the chicken.
8. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces onto the preheated baking sheet in the oven.
9. Bake for 20 minutes.
10. After 20 minutes, carefully brush the top of each chicken piece lightly with olive oil.
11. Continue to bake, brushing the tops with olive oil every 10 minutes. This gradual brushing and basting helps the chicken develop a deep golden-brown color and an incredibly crisp texture. The total baking time after the initial 20 minutes will be an additional 30 to 40 minutes, bringing the total cooking time to 50 to 60 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s a rich, dark golden brown and cooked through.
12. Once cooked to perfection, transfer the chicken to a wire rack. This allows air to circulate around the pieces, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy.
13. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more moist chicken.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Achieving that perfect oven-fried crisp is an art, and a few insider tips can elevate your results:

• Don’t Skip the Preheat: Ensuring your baking sheet is piping hot before the chicken hits it is paramount. This creates an immediate searing effect, crucial for that initial crisp.
• Even Coating is Key: While you want a good layer of the cornmeal mixture, avoid excessively thick clumps. A gentle shake-off helps ensure even cooking and a consistent crisp.
• Monitor Your Oven: Ovens can vary. If you notice your chicken browning too quickly, you can reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Conversely, if it’s not browning sufficiently, a brief turn on the broiler at the very end (watching very carefully!) can help achieve that deep hue.
• Pat Dry for Extra Crisp: For an even crispier outcome, after removing the chicken from the marinade and before coating, you can gently pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture that could steam rather than crisp.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This oven-fried chicken is a star on its own, but it truly shines when served with classic accompaniments.

Serve the hot, golden-brown chicken immediately. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or your favorite cornbread.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method for maintaining crispness is to place the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at around 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving will likely result in softer chicken.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for this recipe:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	750-850 kcal	(approximate)
Total Fat	45-55 g	58-70%
Saturated Fat	12-15 g	60-75%
Cholesterol	250-300 mg	83-100%
Sodium	600-800 mg	26-35%
Total Carbohydrate	15-20 g	5-7%
Dietary Fiber	1-2 g	4-7%
Sugars	2-4 g	4-8%
Protein	50-60 g	100-120%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the size and type of chicken used, as well as specific ingredient brands.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to play with the flavors:

• Spicier Kick: For those who love heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
• Herbaceous Notes: Finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme can be added to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free if needed.
• Different Hot Sauce: While Tabasco is classic, feel free to experiment with other vinegars-based hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot for a slightly different tangy profile.

FAQs

Q: Why is my oven-fried chicken not crispy?
A: Ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 450°F (230°C) and that your baking sheet is also preheated. Overcrowding the pan can also lead to steaming rather than crisping.

Q: Can I use chicken parts other than an 8-piece cut?
A: Yes, you can use other chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed; smaller pieces will cook faster.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: At least 1 hour is recommended for flavor, but marinating overnight will yield even more tender and flavorful chicken.

Q: Can I make the flour mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can mix the dry ingredients for the coating a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Q: Is it okay to use less olive oil for brushing?
A: While you can use less, the olive oil plays a key role in helping the coating brown and crisp up. Using the recommended amount will yield the best results.

This Oven Fried Chicken recipe from Martha Stewart Living is a true testament to achieving exceptional flavor and texture without the mess and hassle of deep-frying. It’s a dish that will undoubtedly become a regular in your rotation, offering a delicious, crispy, and moist chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!