Skip the frying but keep the crunch with this oven-fried chicken recipe. Paired with a tangy honey mustard glaze, it’s an irresistible dish that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy all the crispy goodness without the deep-fried guilt.
- Big Flavor: The honey mustard glaze elevates every bite with a sweet, tangy kick.
- Customizable: Use your favorite herbs and spices to tweak the breading or glaze.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family meals.
Ingredients for Oven Fried Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling) 🫒🧈
For the Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Breading
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, thyme, and oregano. Mix well.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
3. Bake the Chicken
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil or melted butter to help the coating crisp up.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
4. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze
- While the chicken is baking, whisk together:
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference by adding more honey or vinegar.
5. Glaze the Chicken
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven.
- Generously brush the honey mustard glaze over the top of each piece.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Drizzle extra glaze on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Pair with creamy coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, or green beans.
- Light Option: Serve with a simple mixed greens salad or roasted asparagus.
- For a Crowd: Double the recipe for a party or game-day gathering.
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Extra Crispy Coating: For added crunch, toast the breadcrumbs lightly before breading the chicken.
- Use a Wire Rack: Place the chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet to prevent sogginess underneath.
- Glaze Timing: Brush the glaze right after baking to let it soak in while the chicken is still hot.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper to the marinade or glaze for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 32g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes for boneless chicken thighs or breasts.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I freeze this chicken?
Yes! Freeze the baked chicken without the glaze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and glaze before serving.
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
Yellow mustard or a mix of yellow and spicy brown mustard works well in the glaze.
Conclusion
This Oven Fried Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze offers the perfect balance of crispy coating and sweet-tangy flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy every delicious bite of this healthier fried chicken alternative!