So easy, so savory — straight from your oven!
⭐ Introduction:
Craving that irresistible crunch of KFC chicken without the fryer and the mess? This oven-baked version is the perfect solution. Coated in a seasoned flour blend inspired by the Colonel’s famous spice mix, the chicken turns out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. No deep frying needed — just your oven and a bit of love. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or when you’re just in the mood to treat yourself.
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp salt
For the Seasoned Flour Coating:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp celery salt (optional but gives it that “KFC” touch)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- ½ tsp white pepper (optional for extra flavor)
For Baking:
- 3–4 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter (for brushing or drizzling)
- Cooking spray (optional)
🍴 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Place a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. (This allows heat to circulate and keeps the chicken crispy.)
3. Prepare the Seasoned Flour
- In a large shallow dish, mix all the flour and spices together.
- Taste the mix (yes, raw flour mix!) to adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the marinade (let excess drip off).
- Press each piece into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
- For extra crunch, double-dip: return coated chicken to buttermilk, then recoat in flour mix.
5. Arrange and Drizzle
- Place the coated chicken on the wire rack.
- Lightly brush or spray each piece with oil or melted butter — this is the key to golden crispiness without frying.
6. Bake
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Chicken is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Corn on the cob
- Pickles and biscuits
🔁 Tips & Variations:
- No buttermilk? Use yogurt thinned with milk or lemon juice.
- Want it spicier? Add more cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Crispier finish? Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with flour for added crunch.
Enjoy your crispy, oven-baked KFC-style chicken — full of flavor, family-friendly, and way healthier than fast food! 🍗✨