Brined Oven Fried Chicken

Say goodbye to greasy frying but not the crunch with this Brined Oven Fried Chicken! This recipe starts with a savory saltwater brine that infuses the chicken drumsticks or thighs with unbeatable juiciness and flavor. Coated in a perfectly seasoned mix of flour, panko breadcrumbs, and warm spices like paprika and cayenne, each piece is oven-baked to golden perfection at 425°F, delivering the crispy, crunchy texture you'd expect from traditional fried chicken—without the heavy oil. A light olive oil spray ensures a crackling crust, while the brine guarantees moist, tender meat with every bite. Ready in just over an hour and healthier than frying, this dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Pair it with your favorite sides for a soul-satisfying meal! Keywords: brined oven fried chicken, crispy baked chicken, healthy fried chicken recipe, juicy oven-baked chicken.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 4 cups Water
• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Onion powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons Cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 large Eggs
• 0.5 cups Milk
• 0 as needed Olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl or resealable bag, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt into 4 cups of water to create a brine.

Step 2

Place the chicken pieces into the brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.

Step 3

After brining, remove the chicken from the brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a greased wire rack.

Step 5

Prepare the dredging stations: In one shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 6

Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, coating lightly. Then dip into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken evenly in the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 7

Place the breaded chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Lightly spray each piece with olive oil spray for a crispier texture.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 9

Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing from the oven.

Step 10

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, golden Brined Oven Fried Chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3173.7 grams (3173.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3565

Total Fat 143.70g	184%
Saturated Fat 44.30g	222%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g
Cholesterol 1553mg	518%
Sodium 16250mg	707%
Total Carbohydrate 235.60g	86%
Dietary Fiber 9.70g	35%
Total Sugars 36.00g
Protein 329.60g	659%

Vitamin D 389IU	1947%
Calcium 1048mg	81%
Iron 26mg	142%
Potassium 3992mg	85%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.4%

Protein: 37.1%

Carbs: 26.5%