Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Oven Fried Chicken Recipe because it brings all the joy of classic fried chicken but with a much lighter twist, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family. This dish comes out beautifully golden and crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside, and I adore how the green beans roast right alongside the chicken, making it a simple, all-in-one meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Once I tried this recipe, it quickly became one of my go-to comfort foods that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

What really excites me about this Oven Fried Chicken Recipe is that it nails the irresistible crispy coating without deep frying, which means less mess and a healthier meal that doesn’t skimp on that satisfying crunch. The blend of crushed cornflakes with dried herbs, paprika, and garlic powder creates such a flavorful crust that every bite feels perfectly seasoned and savory. The touch of yogurt in the marinade keeps the chicken tender and juicy, ensuring it’s never dry, which is something I constantly aim for in chicken recipes.

Another reason I cherish this recipe is how easy and approachable it is. I can prepare everything in under 10 minutes, pop it into the oven, and then relax while it cooks. Adding the green beans directly on the baking sheet with the chicken is a game-changer, reducing cleanup and making the whole meal come together seamlessly. Whether I’m hosting a casual dinner or just craving a comforting home-cooked meal during the week, this recipe always feels special and satisfying, quickly becoming a favorite at my table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Oven Fried Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity; each ingredient is easy to find and plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish come alive.

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: About 1½ pounds, these are the perfect base for juicy, tender chicken in this recipe.
• 4 cups corn flakes, crushed: I love using corn flakes for the crust because they get crunchy and golden, but you can substitute with breadcrumbs if you prefer.
• 1 to 2 teaspoons dried herbs: Choose your favorite herbs or a blend to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and gorgeous color to the crust.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth that complements the herbs beautifully.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used to crisp up the crust and to flavor the green beans.
• ½ cup nonfat plain yogurt: Keeps the chicken moist and tender with a gentle tang.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken slightly.
• 1 tablespoon water: Helps thin the yogurt mixture for easy coating of the chicken.
• Cooking spray: Keeps the chicken from sticking and helps develop a golden crust.
• 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed: Roasting these with the chicken adds a fresh vegetable and makes the meal complete.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrant, savory notes to the green beans that balance the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with foil. Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray so nothing sticks and set the sheet aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, dried herbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil; this helps the cornflake coating crisp up evenly in the oven.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and water until smooth. Add your chicken breasts into this mixture and toss until each piece is fully coated. This yogurt bath is the secret to juicy, tender chicken inside the crisp crust.

Step 4: Dredge each yogurt-coated chicken breast in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently with your fingers so the coating sticks well and forms a nice crust.

Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Generously spray the tops of the breasts with cooking spray to encourage a golden, crispy finish. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 6: While the chicken starts roasting, prepare the green beans by tossing them in a bowl with the minced garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 7: Remove the baking sheet from the oven carefully. Flip the chicken breasts over and slide the green beans onto the sheet, giving everything enough space to roast properly. Return the sheet to the oven.

Step 8: Bake for another 15 to 18 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F and the green beans are tender and slightly crisp. Use an instant-read thermometer to be precise, as cooking times vary based on chicken thickness.

Step 9: If the green beans are done before the chicken, remove them promptly to avoid overcooking and continue roasting the chicken until fully cooked.

Step 10: Remove your chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 8 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute for the juiciest possible bites. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or small gathering. Prep time is roughly 10 minutes, with the chicken and green beans roasting together for about 30 minutes. Adding a resting period of 5 to 8 minutes gives you a total time of 40 to 45 minutes from start to finish, delivering a deliciously crispy and juicy meal without lengthy wait times or complicated steps.

How to Serve This Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

When I serve this Oven Fried Chicken Recipe, I love pairing it with simple, fresh sides that complement the crispy and savory flavors. A classic creamy mashed potato or a light lemony rice pilaf perfectly balances out the richness of the chicken crust. Roasted sweet potatoes or a crunchy coleslaw also bring a wonderful contrast in texture and sweetness.

I enjoy garnishing the chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves to add a pop of color and aroma at the table. Arranging the chicken and green beans on a large serving platter makes it feel special, perfect for sharing with loved ones. If I want to elevate the meal for guests, I add a small wedge of lemon on the side, which brightens each bite.

To drink, I find a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors beautifully. For a casual dinner, a cold, well-chilled beer or an iced tea with a hint of mint works just as well. I serve everything warm straight from the oven to enjoy the maximum crunch and juiciness of the chicken. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, weekend dinner with friends, or even holiday celebrations because it’s both impressive and approachable.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe, and one of my favorite tweaks is swapping the cornflakes for gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs if you want a different texture or need a gluten-free option. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond, and it still keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.

If you want to pump up the flavor, adding some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the coating gives a nice kick, while fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or sage take it in a savory, aromatic direction. For a vegan adaptation, I’ve tried using pressed tofu or cauliflower steaks coated with the same breading mixture and baking them until crispy, and they turn out delicious!

Aside from oven baking, pan-frying the coated chicken breasts in a little olive oil is another method I’ve used to achieve a golden crust, though it requires more attention but delivers extra crispiness. Alternatively, an air fryer can also work wonders if you want to save time and oil while keeping that classic fried texture.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftover Oven Fried Chicken Recipe, I store the cooked chicken and green beans in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Glass containers with tight lids work best to maintain crispness somewhat, but refrigeration is the key. The leftovers last well for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge, perfect for quick lunches or second dinners.

Freezing

This oven fried chicken freezes quite well if you want to keep it longer. I recommend wrapping pieces individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper first, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. The green beans don’t freeze as nicely, so I usually freeze just the chicken. It keeps well for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight for best texture retention.

Reheating

To bring back the crispy texture when reheating, I pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crust from becoming soggy, unlike microwaving, which I avoid because it tends to make the coating soft. If you need to microwave due to timing, I suggest a quick zap and then a few minutes crisping in the oven or a hot skillet to restore crunch.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well, but you may need to increase the baking time by 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating. Bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier, and the crispy coating is just as delicious.

Can I prepare this oven fried chicken recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the coating and yogurt mixture ahead of time and even marinate the chicken a few hours or overnight for more flavor. However, I recommend baking right before serving for the crispiest crust. If you bake in advance, reheat properly to restore texture.

What if I don’t have corn flakes on hand?

No worries! You can substitute the corn flakes with regular or panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even crushed pretzels for a fun twist. Each option gives a slightly different texture, so feel free to experiment.

Is this recipe healthy? How does it compare nutritionally to fried chicken?

This Oven Fried Chicken Recipe is definitely lighter and healthier than traditional fried chicken because it uses less oil and avoids deep frying. Using yogurt also adds protein and helps tenderize naturally. It has less fat and calories than deep-fried versions while still delivering that satisfying crunch.

Can I add other vegetables to roast with the chicken?

Yes! This recipe is flexible, and you can add vegetables like baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, or sliced bell peppers to the baking sheet. Just toss them with olive oil and seasonings and adjust roasting time as needed to make sure everything cooks evenly.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make comfort meal that feels a little special but without the fuss, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Oven Fried Chicken Recipe. It’s become one of my absolute favorites because it brings that perfect crispy, juicy chicken experience with a fresh, wholesome twist—and it all comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!

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