Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 13- X 8- X 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Season the Chicken: Take your chicken breasts and season them with a portion of the salt and cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences. Let them sit aside while you prepare the batter.
Prepare the Batter Components: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/8 teaspoon of the cayenne pepper. Then, place the buttermilk and cornflake crumbs each in separate shallow bowls.
Coat the Chicken: Begin by dredging each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Follow this by dipping the chicken into the buttermilk, coating both sides well. Lastly, dredge the chicken in cornflake crumbs, again making sure both sides are well coated.
Bake: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake them in the preheated oven until the chicken is tender and the center is no longer pink, about 25 to 30 minutes. There's no need to turn the chicken during baking.
This Southern Fried Chicken recipe promises a tender, juicy interior encased in a crunchy, flavorful exterior, all achieved with minimal oil. Serve it hot from the oven for a satisfying meal that's sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the depth of flavors and the guilt-free pleasure of a baked version of this beloved classic.
