Few things bring comfort quite like a crispy piece of fried chicken—but what if you could enjoy that same bold flavor and crunchy texture straight from your oven, with less oil and more convenience? This homemade KFC-style oven-baked chicken recipe captures the signature southern spices and satisfying crunch of the original, while using your oven to keep things easier, cleaner, and just a bit lighter.
The secret begins with a tangy buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle depth. This step not only keeps the meat moist during baking but also helps the seasoned flour coating stick, ensuring every bite has that satisfying, crispy finish. A blend of paprika, garlic, herbs, and a touch of cayenne delivers that familiar KFC-inspired flavor profile—savory, spicy, and perfectly balanced.
Baking the chicken on a wire rack allows air to circulate evenly around each piece, creating a uniformly crisp exterior without the need for deep frying. The cornstarch mixed with flour is another key to the crunch, mimicking the light, flaky texture that fried chicken lovers crave. A generous spritz of oil on the coated chicken before it hits the oven gives it that final golden edge.
This dish is ideal for family dinners, weekend treats, or gatherings where you want something that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits, but is just as enjoyable on its own with a simple dipping sauce.
Servings and timing:
Yield: Serves 4–6
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Ingredients :
- 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:
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