Description
This crispy oven-baked chicken is inspired by KFC’s signature flavor, offering golden crunch and tender meat without the deep-frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or bone-in breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a greased wire rack on top.
- In a separate dish, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture. Press to coat well.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
- Place chicken on the prepared rack. Spray generously with oil.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase cayenne or hot sauce.
- Bone-in pieces give the juiciest result.
- Use gluten-free flour if needed.
- Don’t skip the resting step before baking—it helps the coating stick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: KFC-style oven chicken, homemade fried chicken, crispy baked chicken, healthy KFC chicken