There is nothing ho-hum about this Low-Calorie Skinny Oven-Fried Chicken! The chicken has the same crispy, golden texture as the fried version. Plus, no greasy mess to clean up.
Low-Calorie Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe
When I am trying to control my calorie intake a big turn off is boring food. For me, it’s very important that the food looks appealing and mouthwatering.
Well … this oven-fried chicken fit the bill!
They look amazing, perfect to trick my brain, but let me tell you they taste better than they look.
Looking at these photos you’ll swear this oven-fried chicken, lower in calories and fat but still crunchy and delicious, was made in the frying pan. Nope! They’re completely baked from start to finish. There’s absolutely no searing or frying here.
The chicken has the same crispy, golden texture as the real deal.
How to make Low calorie Skinny Oven-Fried Chicken
This recipe is really easy to make. The chicken is soaked in buttermilk, which keeps it moist and juicy, and then roll into a crunchy and tasty coating. Even though they are made with chicken breast, they are incredibly juicy and tender.
1. Use a sharp knife to trim the fat from the chicken breasts and cut into tenders. Dip the chicken into buttermilk and let soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. 
2. Place corn flakes, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika and cayenne pepper into a small food processor. Pulse until well combined.
3. Place breadcrumbs mixture in a shallow pan. Then dip each chicken piece into the breading mixture. Press down firmly so the breading sticks to the chicken.
4. Preheat oven to 450º F.
Place the chicken on a lightly oiled pan; spray the top of the chicken well with cooking spray. Bake the chicken until done, about 30 minutes.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of your chicken pieces. So make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through before you serve. The best way is to use a meat thermometer (170°F for breasts; 180°F for thighs and legs).
These Oven Fried Chicken are made in no time, and the best part is that there won’t be a greasy mess to clean after and no fried smells that linger for days.
This recipe makes 4 servings at less than 350 calories per serving {happy dance}.
LOOKING FOR MORE HEALTHY RECIPES?
- Easy Healthy Chicken and Asparagus Skillet
- Easy Tuna Ragu [Keto and Whole 30 Friendly]
- Skinny Oven Fried Pork Chops [KETO friendly]
- Watercress Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
- Copycat Chick fil A Superfood Salad
- Maple Vinaigrette
- Skinny Glazed Salmon
- Skinny Oven Fried Chicken
- Easy Skinny Arroz con Pollo
- Easy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- More…
Skinny Oven Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1 cup cornflakes
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to trim the fat from the chicken breasts and cut into tenders.
- Dip the chicken into buttermilk and let soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Place corn flakes, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper into a small food processor. Pulse until well combined.
OVEN
- Preheat oven to 450º F.
- Place breadcrumbs mixture in a shallow pan. Then dip each chicken piece into the breading mixture. Press down firmly so the breading sticks to the chicken.
- Place the chicken on a lightly oiled pan; spray the top of the chicken well with cooking spray.
- Bake the chicken until done, about 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through so they're crispy on both sides. NOTE: The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of your chicken pieces. The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken will be done when it reaches 175º F. So make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through before you serve.
AIR FRYER:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the chicken in the basket, DO NOT crowd or overlap. You might need to do this in batches depending on the air fryer's capacity.
- Cook for 13-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through so they're crispy on both sides. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Notes
- Easy Healthy Chicken and Asparagus Skillet
- Easy Tuna Ragu [Keto and Whole 30 Friendly]
- Skinny Oven Fried Pork Chops [KETO friendly]
- Watercress Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
- Copycat Chick fil A Superfood Salad
- Maple Vinaigrette
- Skinny Glazed Salmon
- Skinny Oven Fried Chicken
- Easy Skinny Arroz con Pollo
- Easy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- More…
Nutrition
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- Air Fryer
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- Measuring Spoons
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- Measuring Cup Set
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- Sheet Pan
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Originally posted on April 2016, photos replaced in December 2019 and post content edited to add more helpful information, no change to the recipe.
