Baking A Fried Chicken: Is It Possible?

There are many ways to cook a chicken, but roasting is a classic method that delivers golden-brown skin and juicy meat. Fryer chickens are a great choice for roasting, and can be used interchangeably with broiler and roaster chickens depending on how much meat you need. A fryer chicken is defined by the USDA as a chicken between 7 and 10 weeks old, weighing between 2.5 and 4.5 pounds.

To get the perfect roast chicken, you'll want to dry the skin, season the bird, and roast it in an oven until the juices run clear.

How to prepare the chicken for baking

Preparing a fryer chicken for baking is simple and easy. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Check the Chicken

Firstly, check the cavity of the chicken and remove any contents. Some chickens may come with giblets inside, which can be saved for gravy. It is also important to check if the chicken is tied with string, as you may need to untie it if it is too large to fit in your baking dish.

Dry the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps to ensure the seasonings stick to the skin.

Season the Chicken

You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour the chicken. A simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder is a great option. You can also add your own favourite seasonings, such as onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary. Don't be afraid to experiment and find a blend that suits your taste!

Rub with Oil and Seasonings

Add a bit of olive oil to the chicken, which helps the seasonings stick to the skin and also aids in achieving crispier skin. You can use a cooking spray or brush to evenly distribute the oil. Once the oil is applied, sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Line a baking pan with aluminium foil. Transfer the seasoned chicken to the pan, placing it breast-side up. If you are using a roasting pan, you can place a rack inside to improve air circulation and help crisp the bottom of the chicken.

Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, which will depend on your preferred cooking method. For a standard oven, a temperature of 425°F (220°C) is recommended, while for a fan-forced/convection oven, 390°F (200°C) is suggested. Place the chicken in the oven and bake for the recommended time based on its weight. For a 3-pound chicken, bake for about 45-50 minutes, and for a 4-pound chicken, bake for closer to 60 minutes.

Check the Temperature

To ensure the chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before carving or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier, more tender chicken.

Enjoy your delicious, home-baked fryer chicken!

The best ways to season the chicken

Frying a whole chicken is a great way to create a quick, easy, and tasty meal. But how do you make sure it's seasoned to perfection?

Firstly, it's important to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the skin. You can then use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with other herbs and spices. A popular option is to use dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, sage, or rosemary. These can be bought pre-dried or made from fresh herbs for the ultimate flavor. You can also use paprika to add a little color and a smoky flavor. For a more aromatic blend, add garlic and onion powder. If you like your food spicy, you can add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or ground mustard seeds. A little sugar can also be added to help with caramelization and give your chicken a beautiful red color.

Once you've chosen your seasonings, mix them in a bowl and rub them all over the chicken. Don't forget to get under the skin for extra flavor. You can also add some butter or olive oil to help the seasoning stick and make the skin extra crispy. Leave the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but preferably a couple of hours, to allow the flavors to develop.

If you're feeling creative, you can also stuff the cavity of the chicken with halved onions or lemons, whole garlic cloves, or fresh herbs. This will infuse the meat with extra flavor and moisture.

So, there you have it! A few simple steps to take your fried chicken to the next level.

The ideal cooking temperature and duration

If you choose to bake your chicken in an oven, you can opt for slow roasting or a faster, high-temperature method. For slow roasting, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and roast the chicken for one to two hours, depending on its size. Baste the chicken occasionally with oil, and you'll get a chicken with moderately crunchy skin and a soft, juicy interior.

If you prefer a super-crisp skin, try the following method. Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and roast the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and roast for another 60 to 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

When using an air fryer to cook a whole chicken, the ideal temperature range is between 350°F and 400°F (175°C and 205°C). A temperature of 380°F (193°C) is often favored as it strikes a good balance between crispiness and moisture.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken. A 3-pound chicken will need 45-50 minutes, while a 4-pound chicken will need closer to 60 minutes. You can cook the chicken breast side down and flip it after 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Regardless of the cooking method, the USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

How to get crispy chicken skin

Frying a whole chicken is a great go-to meal, and it's even easier in an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure you get crispy chicken skin:

Preparation

Before cooking, ensure the chicken is dry. Use paper towels to pat the skin dry, or leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for several hours to air dry. If you have time, you can also place the chicken in front of an electric fan for an hour to dry it out.

Seasoning

Seasoning is key to getting crispy chicken skin. The simplest option is to rub salt into the skin, creating a dry exterior that will crisp up in the oven. You can also add baking powder to the salt rub, which will increase crispness without affecting the taste. If you want to add more flavour, sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, or black pepper on the chicken before roasting.

If you want to add extra moisture to the meat, you can rub olive oil or butter into the skin. However, this may affect how crispy the skin gets.

Cooking

Place the chicken on a rack in a shallow pan to allow good air circulation, which will help to crisp the bottom of the chicken. If you want to crisp up the skin even more, you can turn the chicken over halfway through roasting.

For super crispy skin, roast the chicken at a high temperature. One source recommends roasting at 450 F for 15-20 minutes, then reducing the heat to 375 F for another 60-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180 F.

Alternative: Air Fryer

If you're using an air fryer, rub the chicken skin with olive oil and your chosen seasoning. Then, place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 350 F. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.

Extra Tips

• To infuse extra flavour into the chicken, stuff the cavity with halved onions or lemons, whole garlic cloves, or fresh herbs such as thyme, tarragon, or flat Italian leaf parsley.
• To prevent the chicken from smoking, spread a layer of salt on the bottom of the pan or add a little water before roasting.
• If you want to make the chicken extra crispy, avoid basting it, as this will reduce the oven temperature.
• If you're cooking chicken thighs, drums, or breasts separately, rather than a whole chicken, you can cook them directly on a sheet pan without aluminium foil. This will make them crisp up faster.

What to serve with the chicken

Baked fryer chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to enhance your meal. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy, tender chicken:

Starchy Sides

Starch-based sides are a great way to balance out the meal and soak up any delicious juices or sauces from the chicken. Here are some options:

• Mashed potatoes: Classic, creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect dip for your chicken tenders.
• French fries: The ultimate classic side dish, especially when spiced up with black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Macaroni salad: A creamy, tangy classic that can be customized with veggies or ham for added nutrition.
• Cornbread: A filling and flavorful side that pairs well with the juicy and crunchy chicken.
• Biscuits: Tender, flaky buttermilk biscuits are a must-have, especially for Southern-style fried chicken.

Vegetables

Vegetables provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, tender chicken. Here are some veggie sides to consider:

• Green beans: A healthy, savory option that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Sweet potatoes: Candied sweet potatoes make for a delicious, satisfying side that might eliminate the need for dessert!
• Okra: Fried okra is a perfect veggie pairing, especially if you're looking for an extra crispy sensation.
• Coleslaw: Tangy, crunchy coleslaw surprises taste buds and brings bright notes to the meal.
• Grilled corn on the cob: Simple, classic, and perfect for a summer cookout.
• Cucumber salad: Light and refreshing, cucumber salad is a great option for those wanting something healthier on the table.
• Roasted okra: Properly cooked okra can be flavorful, tender, or wonderfully crunchy.

Other Ideas

Some other sides that will elevate your baked fryer chicken include:

• Macaroni and cheese: A comforting, cheesy dish that provides a textural contrast to the crunchy chicken.
• Potato salad: A hearty, creamy side that goes well with fried chicken, especially during the summer.
• Beans: Baked beans or three-bean salads are nutritious and filling, pairing well with the chicken without overwhelming it.
• Salads: Green salads with mint and leafy vegetables are healthy and versatile, while summer salads with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions bring excellent balance to the meal.

Frequently asked questions