Cast Iron Oven-Fried Chicken – Crispy, Juicy, and Oven-Baked to Perfection

Enjoy the classic comfort of fried chicken without the extra oil and mess, thanks to this cast iron oven-fried chicken recipe. Using your trusty cast iron skillet, the chicken comes out with a perfectly crispy crust and juicy, tender meat inside. Baked in the oven rather than deep-fried, it’s a healthier, fuss-free way to get all the flavor and crunch you crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crunchy, Golden Crust – Crispy coating that rivals traditional fried chicken.
Healthier Cooking Method – Oven-baked with minimal oil, no deep-frying required.
Cast Iron Magic – Even heat distribution ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Simple and Quick – Easy prep with a short baking time.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• ½ cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or low-fat milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast iron skillet in the oven while it heats to get it hot.

2. Prepare the Breading
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Prepare the Wet Mix
In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until combined.

4. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken thigh first into the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Sear the Chicken
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, add the oil, and swirl to coat. Place the coated chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown.

6. Bake to Finish
Flip the chicken so skin-side is up. Transfer the skillet back to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is crispy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

Get Your Skillet Hot – A preheated cast iron skillet helps create a perfect sear.
Press the Coating – Firmly pressing the flour mixture on helps create a crisp crust.
Check Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through but juicy.
Customize Seasonings – Add cayenne or herbs for a flavor twist.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe harnesses the power of cast iron for even heat and a crispy crust without frying in oil. Using a light flour coating and oven baking keeps the chicken juicy inside with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. It’s a healthier way to enjoy comfort food with less hassle and fewer calories.

Cast iron oven-fried chicken offers all the best parts of fried chicken—crispy skin and juicy meat—with a simpler, lighter cooking method. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for anyone craving that classic crunch without the deep fryer.