6 Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken

A crispy, cheesy crumb coating makes oven-fried chicken taste downright indulgent. These items help make our healthier oven-fried chicken as soul-satisfying as deep-fried.

View Recipe: Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken

The Difference Makers

Parmigiano-Reggiano

This crisps easily, binds the crumbs, and brings salty umami flavor, so there's no need for salt in the breading.

Buttermilk

Its tangy acids tenderize the meat. With salt, the milk becomes a brine, seasoning the chicken throughout.

Hot Sauce

A couple teaspoons lend flavor without making the chicken spicy—add more if you like it hot.

Garlic & Onion Powders

These give it that classic fried chicken flavor. And unlike fresh garlic or onion, they won't scorch or add moisture to the cooking.

Panko

These light, airy Japanese breadcrumbs make for super crisp coatings in baked and fried foods.

Whole-Wheat Flour

A healthier choice than white flour, its deeper flavor complements roasted meats.