What makes oven fried chicken so irresistible? This buttermilk soaked recipe is a game changer for weeknight dinner, serving up tender and juicy results with minimal effort, paired with a side of creamy ranch dressing and fresh parsley for a homemade touch, save this idea for a quick and easy family favorite meal.

buttermilk oven fried chicken in a pan with ranch dressing and parsley on the side

Introduction

This recipe for buttermilk oven fried chicken in a pan with ranch dressing and parsley on the side is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious, easy, and creative meal using everyday ingredients. The combination of crispy oven-fried chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh parsley is a match made in heaven. With this recipe, you’ll be able to achieve restaurant-quality flavors and textures in the comfort of your own home, and the best part is that it requires minimal effort and preparation time. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend meal prep enthusiast, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, and it uses ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The steps involved in preparing this dish are straightforward and simple, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the ease of preparation, the end result is a dish that looks and tastes like it was made in a professional kitchen, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include chicken breasts, buttermilk, all-purpose flour, spices, olive oil, ranch dressing, and fresh parsley. You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs or tenders if you prefer, and you can also use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives to buttermilk and ranch dressing if you’re watching your calorie intake. Additionally, you can customize the spice blend to suit your personal taste preferences, and you can use dried parsley if fresh parsley is not available.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the chicken. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, and your desired spices. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and make sure they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Step 3: Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Step 4: While the chicken is baking, prepare the ranch dressing and parsley. You can use store-bought ranch dressing or make your own by mixing together mayonnaise, sour cream, dried parsley, dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Chop the fresh parsley and set it aside. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with the ranch dressing and parsley on the side.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken, as this can affect the evenness of the browning and the crispiness of the exterior.
• Don’t skip the step of refrigerating the chicken in the buttermilk mixture, as this helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
• Experiment with different spice blends and seasonings to give the dish your own personal twist.

Heat Control

When cooking the chicken, it’s essential to maintain the right temperature to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness. The ideal temperature for baking the chicken is 400°F (200°C), and you should cook it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When pan-frying the chicken, make sure the oil is hot but not smoking, and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy exterior of the oven-fried chicken, which is achieved by dredging the chicken in the flour mixture and then baking it in the oven. To enhance the crunch factor, make sure to not overcook the chicken, and pat it dry with paper towels before dredging it in the flour mixture. You can also add some crunchy elements to the dish, such as chopped nuts or crispy bacon, to give it extra texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don’t press down on the chicken with your spatula while it’s cooking, as this can squeeze out juices and make the meat dry.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.

Storage Tips

• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through, and serve with fresh ranch dressing and parsley.
• Consider freezing the chicken for up to 2 months, and thawing it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative container or basket, along with some fresh parsley and a side of ranch dressing. You could also include some crusty bread or crackers on the side, and a few fresh vegetables or fruits to round out the meal. Use some decorative twine or ribbons to add a personal touch, and include a handwritten note or card with the recipe and cooking instructions.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding some different spices or herbs to the flour mixture, such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried thyme.
• Use different types of milk or yogurt instead of buttermilk, such as almond milk or Greek yogurt.
• Add some diced vegetables or nuts to the flour mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the chicken is not browning evenly, try adjusting the heat or using a different type of oil.
• If the chicken is dry or overcooked, try reducing the cooking time or using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• If the ranch dressing is too thick or too thin, try adjusting the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream, or adding a little bit of milk or water.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, but make sure to check the ingredients of the ranch dressing and flour mixture to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, and use a larger skillet or baking dish if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for buttermilk oven fried chicken in a pan with ranch dressing and parsley on the side is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!