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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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