Get ready to experience the most mouth-watering, crispy, and downright addictive chicken recipe that will transport you straight to the heart of the South! Paula Deen's Oven Fried Chicken is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that combines the perfect crunch of fried chicken with the tender, juicy goodness that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a cooking novice or a kitchen pro, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results right in your own home.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
- In a large bowl, pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. This will be used to marinate the chicken, adding flavor and tenderness.
- Season the buttermilk with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.
- Place the cut pieces of the whole chicken into the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the seasoned flour mixture. In a separate large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
- After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Next, dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
- Once all the chicken pieces are coated, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will allow any excess flour to fall off and will help the chicken cook evenly.
- In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of flour into it; if it sizzles, it's ready.
- Carefully place a few pieces of chicken in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once the chicken is browned, transfer it back to the wire rack on the baking sheet. Repeat the frying process with the remaining pieces of chicken.
- After all the chicken is fried, place the baking sheet with the chicken in the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute for a moist and flavorful bite.
- Serve the oven-fried chicken hot, accompanied by your favorite Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your delicious homemade Paula Deen's Oven Fried Chicken!
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the buttermilk marinade! The longer the chicken sits (up to 2 hours), the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Oil Temperature is Key: Use a cooking thermometer to ensure your oil is exactly 350°F. This prevents soggy or burnt chicken.
- Coating Technique: Press the seasoned flour firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, crispy coating that will stay put during cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even browning.
- Rest and Redistribute: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the chicken up to the frying stage and refrigerate, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, try adding a bit of cornstarch to your flour mixture – it's a game-changer for achieving that perfect crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
