Oven-Fried Buttermilk Chicken – Gluten Free

Succulent and juicy, the best oven-fried gluten free buttermilk chicken you’ll ever eat! Golden and extra crispy, deliciously seasoned breading with basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic gives the chicken a savory Italian twist.

Is oven-fried buttermilk chicken healthier?

Oven-fried chicken is generally considered a healthier option compared to traditional deep-fried chicken. Here is why.

Less Oil: 

Oven-fried chicken requires significantly less oil than deep-fried chicken. Deep-fried chicken is submerged in a large quantity of oil, which adds a considerable amount of fat and calories to the dish. 

Lower Fat Content: 

Because less oil is used, oven-fried chicken contains less fat. This fat reduction can benefit those looking to reduce fat intake or manage their calorie consumption.

Reduced Saturated Fat:

 Deep-frying often uses oils high in saturated fats, which can contribute to heart health concerns. Oven-frying allows you to choose healthier oils like olive oil and control the amount used, reducing saturated fat intake.

Crispy Texture: 

Despite using less oil, gluten free oven-fried chicken can still achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior, especially when using the homemade bread crumb coating. This means you can enjoy the satisfying crunch without the excess fat.

However, it’s important to note that the overall healthiness of oven-fried chicken depends on several factors, including the type and amount of oil used and the seasoning and coating ingredients. 

How to make gluten free oven-fried buttermilk chicken?

To make gluten free oven-fried buttermilk chicken, you will need:

STEP ONE

Buttermilk: the chicken is coated in buttermilk mixture made with buttermilk, gluten free flour and baking soda.

STEP TWO

Bread crumbs: dip the chicken covered with buttermilk into seasoned bread crumbs (no eggs)

 STEP THREE

Place coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

STEP FOUR

Bake the chicken at 400 F for 30 – 35 minutes. Done – it’s that easy!

The inside of the chicken remains tender and juicy because the chicken is dipped in a buttermilk mixture mixed with gluten free flour and baking soda before being coated with the gluten free breading, which is where the crunchy coating comes from. This recipe is a lighter, less greasy version of fried chicken.

Why should you season the chicken first?

Seasoning the chicken before coating it with bread crumbs is essential because it adds flavor to the meat.

Time for Flavor Infusion: 

Allowing the seasoned chicken to rest briefly before coating (usually about 10 – 20 minutes) gives the seasonings time to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful chicken.

How to make homemade gluten free bread crumbs?

Most gluten free bread gets stale after a couple of days. This is where making homemade gluten free bread crumbs comes in handy.

The recipe is super easy. Slice the stale bread into cubes and add them to a food processor. Process until you reach the desired texture. I like a tiny crumb but not powder. Then, flavor the bread crumbs if you wish.

Optional olive oil: 

For extra crispiness on your chicken, just before coating it with bread crumbs, drizzle some olive oil to the bread crumbs and mix them by hand until the oil is evenly distributed. This step is optional but adds a nice crunch to oven-fried chicken. 

4 popular flavors for homemade bread crumbs

You can season bread crumbs with a variety of flavors. 

Here are four popular flavors for bread crumbs:

Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs:

Italian seasoned bread crumbs are a classic choice, featuring a blend of herbs and spices commonly used in Italian cuisine. Ingredients like dried basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan or Romano cheese are often added to give the bread crumbs a savory, aromatic flavor. These are great for breading chicken, eggplant, or making meatballs.

Garlic and Herb Bread Crumbs:

The bread crumbs are infused with garlic and a mix of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley. This combination is an excellent choice for coating seafood and vegetables or even as a topping for casseroles.

Lemon Pepper Bread Crumbs:

Lemon pepper bread crumbs combine the zesty brightness of lemon with the warmth of black pepper. This flavor combination adds a refreshing and mildly spicy twist to your breading mixture. Lemon pepper bread crumbs work well with chicken, fish, and shrimp, bringing a burst of citrusy flavor to your dishes.

Spicy Bread Crumbs:

Spicy bread crumbs are for those who enjoy a little heat in their dishes. They typically contain cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to provide a spicy kick. They complement chicken tenders, onion rings, or any dish you want a touch of heat.

Storing gluten free homemade bread crumbs: 

It’s important to store the bread crumbs in the freezer. Use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and place it in the freezer. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer or 5 days in the refrigerator.

serving suggestions for gluten free oven-fried buttermilk chicken

Classic Chicken Dinner:

Serve the crispy oven-fried chicken with sides like Garlic Mashed Fauxtatoes and Gluten Free Gravy Without Drippings, steamed vegetables (green beans, carrots, or broccoli), and Gluten Free Portuguese Rolls.

Chicken and Waffles:

Create a Southern-inspired meal by pairing the chicken with homemade gluten free waffles and drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and savory combination.

Chicken Salad:

Slice the crispy chicken and use it as a topping for a fresh garden salad. It adds a delightful crunch and protein boost to your salad.

Chicken Sandwich:

Place a piece of crispy chicken between a Homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Bun or a Gluten Free Butter Roll. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite gluten free condiments for a satisfying chicken sandwich.

Chicken and Pasta:

Serve the crispy chicken alongside pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or Gluten Free Pasta Puttanesca. The contrast in textures works well with pasta. (My favorite)

Chicken and Coleslaw:

Pair the chicken with a side of homemade coleslaw. The cool, fresh coleslaw complements the crispy chicken’s heat and crunch.

Chicken and Rice:

Serve the chicken with Homemade Gluten-Free Rice-A-Roni and sautéed or roasted vegetables—a simple and balanced meal.

Chicken and Dipping Sauces:

Offer an array of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce. Let your family or guests customize their chicken dipping experience.

Chicken Platter:

For a Southern-style feast, create a platter with various sides, including potato salad, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and a bowl of Spicy Cincinnati Black Bean Chili.

Chicken and Grilled Vegetables:

Pair the chicken with a selection of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, Italian Chargrilled Peppers, and asparagus for a healthier option.

Storing:

Cooked oven-fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. But its freshness and quality will gradually decline over time. 

Reheating gluten free oven-fried buttermilk chicken: 

When reheating the chicken, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven to help maintain its crispiness. Preheat the oven to around 350 F (175 C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and reheat for 10-15 minutes or until heated. 

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food, and many people have childhood memories of enjoying it at picnics, barbecues, or family outings. These childhood experiences can lead to a sense of nostalgia when eating fried chicken as adults.

With this gluten free oven-fried buttermilk chicken recipe, you can enjoy a healthier chicken version and still enjoy its flavorful and crispy coating. 

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Many thanks!

Kristina xx