Description
This homemade KFC-style oven-baked chicken delivers crispy, golden pieces without deep frying. Marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful seasoned flour blend, it’s a healthier, easy-to-make version of the fast-food classic.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks or thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Olive oil spray or melted butter (for crisping)
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each piece is submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off. Dredge in flour mixture, pressing to coat. For extra crunch, double dip in buttermilk and flour again.
- Arrange coated chicken on prepared baking sheet. Spray tops lightly with olive oil or brush with melted butter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Substitute buttermilk with milk + lemon juice if unavailable.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
