Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken Recipe is crispy, juicy and full of flavor. It tastes like classic fried chicken but is baked in the oven. This makes it lighter and easier to prepare. You still get the crunchy crust and tender meat without the mess of deep frying.
In this guide, I will explain the full Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken Recipe in very simple words. You will learn how to make Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken, what ingredients you need and every step to get perfect crunch.
This recipe is great for family dinners, parties and weekend meals. If you love crispy chicken, this dish will make you very happy.
My Experience With This Recipe
The first time I made this dish, I was shocked by how crispy it turned out. The coating was golden and crunchy. The meat stayed juicy inside.
It felt like real fried chicken but easier and healthier. My family loved it and asked for more. Now I make it often for simple comfort meals.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken
- 8 chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the chicken
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Keep the pieces ready for coating. - Make the marinade
Mix buttermilk, egg and hot sauce. Whisk well until smooth and creamy. - Marinate the chicken
Place chicken in the mix. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes for tenderness. - Prepare the coating
Mix breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. - Coat the chicken
Lift each piece from marinade. Roll it in the coating until fully covered. - Prepare the baking tray
Place a cooling rack on a tray. Brush with butter for golden color. - Arrange the pieces
Place coated chicken pieces on the rack. Keep space between each piece. - Bake the chicken
Bake for 40–45 minutes until crisp and golden. Flip once halfway. - Check the chicken
Make sure the inside is juicy and cooked fully. The crust must look golden. - Serve warm
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then serve hot and enjoy.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken
- Use fresh chicken for better taste.
- Soak in buttermilk for tender meat.
- Coat evenly for better crunch.
- Use a rack for crispy crust on all sides.
- Do not skip flipping halfway.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not skip drying the chicken.
- Do not bake on a flat tray only.
- Do not use too much flour.
- Do not overcrowd the chicken.
- Do not bake at low heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crispy chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw or roasted vegetables. It also tastes great with corn, fresh salad or fries.
You can add dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch or spicy mayo. This dish works well for dinner, lunch, picnics or game nights. The flavor is warm and comforting.
Variations You Can Try
- Add chili powder for heat.
- Use panko crumbs for extra crunch.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Use lemon zest for a fresh twist.
- Add parmesan cheese to the coating.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for three days.
- Keep in airtight boxes to stay crisp.
- Reheat in oven for 10 minutes.
- Do not microwave; it softens the crust.
- Freeze cooked chicken for one month.
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Health Benefits
Oven fried chicken is lighter than deep-fried chicken because it uses less oil. It still gives protein for muscle support and iron for energy.
The spices add antioxidants. This dish is a good choice when you want comfort food with less fat.
Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 chicken pieces thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Prepare the chicken
- Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Keep the pieces ready for coating.
Make the marinade
- Mix buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Whisk well until smooth and creamy.
Marinate the chicken
- Place chicken in the mix. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes for tenderness.
Prepare the coating
- Mix breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Coat the chicken
- Lift each piece from marinade. Roll it in the coating until fully covered.
Prepare the baking tray
- Place a cooling rack on a tray. Brush with butter for golden color.
Arrange the pieces
- Place coated chicken pieces on the rack. Keep space between each piece.
Bake the chicken
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until crisp and golden. Flip once halfway.
Check the chicken
- Make sure the inside is juicy and cooked fully. The crust must look golden.
Serve warm
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken for better taste.
- Soak in buttermilk for tender meat.
- Coat evenly for better crunch.
- Use a rack for crispy crust on all sides.
- Do not skip flipping halfway.
FAQs about Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken
1. Can I use chicken breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use breast pieces. But keep them similar in size to avoid uneven cooking and dryness during baking.
2. Why is my coating not sticking well?
The chicken may be too wet or too dry. Make sure it soaks well in buttermilk and press coating firmly before baking.
3. Can I make the coating spicy?
Yes, you can add chili powder, cayenne or hot sauce. Adjust the heat level based on your taste preference.
4. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken early. Keep it chilled and coat it just before baking for best crunch.
5. How do I keep the chicken crispy after baking?
Place it on a rack, not a plate. Airflow keeps the crust crisp and prevents soggy bottoms.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken is crispy, juicy and very easy to make. The simple ingredients give big flavor.
This recipe is great for beginners and home cooks. Try it once and it may become your favorite comfort meal.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!