Crispy Baked Chicken (Oven “Fried” & Wings Edition)

Q: Can I skip the wire rack?

You can , but it may lead to soggier bottoms. Use pizza stones or perforated pans as alternatives.

Crispy Baked Chicken your whole family will love! Discover oven fried chicken and crispy baked chicken wings recipes with simple ingredients. Pin now and make crispy chicken tonight!

Why You’ll Love It

No deep frying — less mess, less oil, less guilt
Crunchy exterior + juicy interior
Uses basic pantry ingredients
Flexible: works for wings, drumsticks, thighs, breasts
Easier cleanup and safer than hot oil

Ingredients / What You’ll Need

Mise en place of crispy baked chicken ingredients on a wooden table.

Chicken pieces (wings, thighs, drumsticks, or breast)
1–2 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda) — key for crispiness
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Optional: pinch cayenne or chili powder for heat
Optional: 1–2 tbsp Parmesan or finely ground cornmeal for extra texture
Cooking spray or a bit of oil (avocado, olive, or neutral)
Wire rack + baking sheet (for airflow)

How to Make It

Chicken wings and thighs arranged on a wire rack ready for baking.

Preheat & prep. Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Pat chicken dry. Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible (crispiness loves dryness).
Season & coat. In a bowl, mix baking powder + salt + pepper + paprika + garlic/onion powder (+ optional spices). Toss chicken until well coated.
Optional extra crunch. If using Parmesan or cornmeal or panko, lightly coat chicken now.
Arrange & spray. Place pieces skin-side up on the wire rack so air circulates. Lightly spray or brush them with oil.
Bake. Bake for about 35–45 minutes (depending on size/cut). For wings, check around 25–30 minutes.
Flip and finish. At halfway mark (or ~20 minutes), turn pieces over or rearrange. Continue baking until internal temp reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
Rest & serve. Let rest 5 minutes so juices settle, then serve hot.

Crispy baked chicken pieces cooking inside the oven with golden skin

Pro Tips

Use baking powder (not soda!) — it changes skin pH and helps crisp.
Don’t overcrowd — leave space between pieces on the rack.
Use a wire rack so hot air circulates underneath.
Rotate the pan halfway for even browning.
If top isn’t crispy enough, broil 1–2 minutes (watch carefully).
Let chicken rest before slicing — keeps it juicy.

Variations & Substitutions

Crispy baked chicken wings: Use same method but reduce time to ~25–30 min.
Spicy version: Add cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce marinade.
Herb version: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
Cheesy crust: Mix Parmesan or finely grated cheese into coating.
Asian twist: Add a bit of five-spice powder, or toss finished chicken in a light soy-honey glaze.

Storage & Reheat

Fridge: Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 2 months (flash-freeze pieces, then bag).
To reheat: Use oven or air fryer — 375 °F (190 °C) until heated through and re-crisped (~10 minutes). Avoid microwaving or you’ll lose the crunch.

What to Serve With It

Golden crispy baked chicken served on a platter with dipping sauces and sides

Coleslaw or crisp salad
Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies
Cornbread or dinner rolls
Dipping sauces: ranch, hot sauce, honey mustard
Pickles or tangy slaw for contrast

Why baking powder (not baking soda)?

Baking powder has acids + base; it helps render skin fat and crisp without a metallic taste.

Can I skip the wire rack?

You can, but it may lead to soggier bottoms. Use pizza stones or perforated pans as alternatives.

Is it truly “fried”?

It’s “oven fried” — you get the crisp with no deep fat.

Does dark meat vs white meat differ?

Yes — thighs/drumsticks take longer; breasts risk drying. Monitor temp.

Can I marinate first?

Yes, but if wet marinade is used, pat dry before coating to maintain crisp.

In short: crispy baked chicken delivers that satisfying crunch without all the effort of frying. Whether you’re going for oven fried chicken, crispy chicken wings, or just a juicy thigh, you’ve got this. Serve it hot, dip it generously, and enjoy!