Description
Crispy southern oven-fried chicken brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Perfectly seasoned, golden-brown pieces emerge from the oven with a delightful crunch that satisfies deep cravings for home-style cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Cooking Aid:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing or spraying the pan)
Instructions
- Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk, creating a tenderizing bath that enhances flavor complexity. Seal and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, allowing marinade to penetrate deeply.
- Craft a crunchy exterior coating by combining breadcrumbs, flour, and an aromatic blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow container.
- Drain chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip away. Meticulously dredge each piece, ensuring complete and uniform coverage with seasoned coating.
- Activate oven to 400F (200C). Prepare a baking rack positioned atop a rimmed baking sheet, lightly misted with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange coated chicken pieces on rack, maintaining space between items for optimal air circulation. Roast for 35 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee even browning and crisp texture.
- Verify doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer. Allow chicken to rest briefly before serving for maximum juiciness.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight, allowing buttermilk to tenderize and infuse deep, rich taste into every bite.
- Ensure extra crispiness by using a wire rack during baking, which allows hot air to circulate and create an evenly golden, crunchy exterior.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for those with dietary restrictions.
- Boost nutrition by adding ground flaxseed or nutritional yeast to the coating mixture, creating an extra layer of protein and adding subtle nutty undertones.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg