When it comes to feeding a crowd, few dishes are as universally loved as chicken. And in the world of chicken recipes, oven - fried chicken stands out as a delicious and practical choice. This oven - fried chicken recipe not only pleases a crowd but also leaves you with some extras for those who just can't get enough.

To start with, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For the chicken, you can use chicken pieces of your choice - drumsticks, thighs, or a combination of both. These cuts are meaty and hold up well during the cooking process. You'll also need some basic pantry staples like flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. These seasonings will form the flavorful coating for your chicken.

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high temperature is crucial as it helps to sear the outside of the chicken quickly, locking in the juices and creating a crispy exterior. While the oven is heating up, prepare your chicken. Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken is an important step as it allows the coating to adhere better.

In a shallow dish, combine about 1 cup of all - purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of flavors. You can adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, you can add a bit of cayenne pepper; if you prefer a more savory flavor, you can increase the garlic and onion powder.

Next, take each chicken piece and roll it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. You can place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The wire rack allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and a crispy texture all over. If you don't have a wire rack, you can use a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, but make sure to lift the chicken pieces slightly with a fork or tongs to allow air to flow beneath them.

Once all the chicken pieces are coated and arranged on the baking sheet, you can give them a light spray of cooking oil. This helps to make the coating even crispier. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 - 35 minutes. After 30 minutes, check the chicken by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a piece. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If it hasn't reached this temperature yet, continue baking for a few more minutes until it does.

While the chicken is baking, you can prepare some sides to go with it. A classic choice is mashed potatoes. Boil some potatoes until they are tender, then drain and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. You can also make a simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing. Another great side is roasted vegetables. Cut up some carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower into bite - sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven alongside the chicken for about 25 - 30 minutes.

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making it even more flavorful and tender. Serve the oven - fried chicken hot with your chosen sides. You'll find that this recipe is not only easy to make but also a hit with everyone at the table. And if there are any leftovers, you can enjoy them the next day, either cold or reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious meal.

In conclusion, this oven - fried chicken recipe is a must - try for anyone looking to please a crowd with a delicious and comforting meal. With its crispy coating, juicy interior, and customizable seasonings, it's a dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy some mouth - watering oven - fried chicken!