Crispy Barefoot Contessa’s Oven Fried Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Golden, crispy, and packed with flavor, this Barefoot Contessa oven fried chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality crunch without the messy deep frying.

Forget greasy stovetop cooking and welcome a hassle-free method that guarantees perfectly seasoned chicken every time.

Ina Garten’s technique ensures a delectable exterior that seals in moisture and creates an irresistible texture.

The blend of herbs and spices makes this dish a standout at any gathering.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of crunch and tenderness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll love how simple ingredients can create such a mouthwatering meal in just a few easy steps.

Get ready to add this crowd-pleasing recipe to your weekly dinner rotation and watch it become an instant favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 16

Pantry Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Oven Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor, creating a juicy interior. Choose fresh, full-fat buttermilk for the best results.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper: Provides a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture. Select unbleached flour for a more natural texture and freshly ground black pepper for a robust kick.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables deep-frying and helps achieve a crisp, even coating. Pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil for consistent frying temperature.
• Chicken Pieces: Select bone-in, skin-on chicken parts for maximum flavor and juiciness. Opt for free-range or organic chicken for superior taste and texture.

Tools for Perfecting Barefoot Contessa Oven Fried Chicken

• Large Bowl: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing flour coating.
• Plastic Wrap: Covers chicken during marinating process.
• Stockpot: Heavy-bottomed pot for deep frying chicken pieces.
• Deep Fry Thermometer: Monitors oil temperature precisely for perfect frying.
• Metal Baking Rack: Allows excess oil to drip off fried chicken.
• Sheet Pan: Supports baking rack during frying and baking stages.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure flour and other dry ingredients accurately.
• Tongs: Safely handles chicken during frying and transferring.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Helps mix flour and seasonings evenly.

Baking Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Oven Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk Bath

Chicken pieces soak overnight in creamy buttermilk, creating tender and flavorful meat that will melt in your mouth.

• Seasoned Armor

Mix flour with salt and pepper to create a crispy, delicious coating that will transform ordinary chicken into a golden masterpiece.

• Oil Dance

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil, allowing each side to develop a gorgeous bronze exterior. Work in small groups to ensure perfect crispiness without overcrowding the pan.

• Oven Finish

Transfer the partially fried chicken to a baking sheet and slide into a warm oven. This final cooking stage ensures the meat is fully cooked and maintains its incredible crunch.

• Delicious Reveal

Remove the chicken when it reaches a beautiful golden color and the inside is completely white. Serve immediately while the coating remains wonderfully crisp and the meat stays juicy.

Tips for Crispy Barefoot Contessa Oven Fried Chicken Every Time

• Experiment with different buttermilk infusions like adding hot sauce, garlic powder, or dried herbs to enhance the chicken's taste profile.
• Mix breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes into the flour mixture for extra crispy exterior that delivers satisfying texture with every bite.
• Create custom seasoning combinations using paprika, cayenne, garlic salt, or dried herbs to personalize the chicken's flavor signature.
• Replace traditional frying with complete oven baking by coating chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs and spraying with olive oil for reduced fat content while maintaining crispy results.
• Prepare chicken coating and marinate pieces up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to develop deeper and simplifying meal preparation on busy days.

Barefoot Contessa Oven Fried Chicken – How to Serve It Up

• Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair the crispy oven-fried chicken with cool, crunchy coleslaw or a light garden salad to balance the rich, golden-brown meat.
• Create a Picnic Spread: Pack this delicious chicken in a basket with homemade potato salad, cornbread, and some tangy pickles for an amazing outdoor meal.
• Dip and Enjoy: Whip up quick dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo to elevate the chicken's flavor and add extra excitement to each bite.
• Make It a Family Feast: Serve family-style on a large platter with wedges of lemon, fresh herbs sprinkled on top, and plenty of napkins for a casual, fun dining experience.

Reheat & Store Barefoot Contessa Oven Fried Chicken

• Stash Smart: Keep Extra Chicken Fresh
• Quick Cool Down: Let the chicken reach room temperature before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispy texture.
• Refrigerate Right: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for storage up to 2 months – perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 175°C for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent soggy results.

Crispy Barefoot Contessa Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s oven fried chicken delivers crispy, golden perfection with a crunchy herb-seasoned coating. Homemade comfort emerges from simple ingredients, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 whole chickens (1.36 kg / 3 lbs), cut into eight serving pieces
• 1 litre (1 quart) buttermilk
• 240g (8.5 oz) plain flour
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil or vegetable shortening for frying

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Instructions

1. Marination: Immerse chicken pieces completely in buttermilk within a spacious container, seal tightly, and refrigerate for 12-16 hours to infuse deep, rich flavors throughout the meat.
2. Preparation: Preheat oven to 175°C (fan) / 190°C (conventional) / 350°F. Combine all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper in a wide dish, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform seasoning blend.
3. Coating: Drain chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Meticulously dredge each piece in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete, even coverage that will create a crisp exterior.
4. Initial Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed stockpot to 182°C (360°F). Carefully fry chicken in small batches for approximately 3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown, crispy surface. Transfer partially cooked pieces to a wire rack positioned over a rimmed baking sheet.
5. Oven Finishing: Place chicken-laden rack in preheated oven, roasting for 30-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), ensuring complete cooking and optimal food safety while maintaining the crispy exterior.
6. Serving: Remove chicken from oven, allow a brief resting period to redistribute internal juices. Present immediately to preserve peak crispness and temperature, delivering a delectable oven-fried chicken experience.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Buttermilk bath for 12-16 hours dramatically tenderizes chicken, infusing deep flavor and ensuring juicy meat throughout cooking process.
• Coat Carefully: Press seasoned flour firmly onto chicken pieces, creating a thick, even crust that guarantees maximum crispiness and golden-brown exterior.
• Temperature Control: Use kitchen thermometer to monitor oil and chicken internal temperature, preventing undercooked meat and ensuring perfect crispy texture.
• Rest Wisely: Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute internal juices, maintaining moisture and preventing dry, tough meat when serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 100mg