Herbed Oven Fried Chicken

Crispy, flavorful, and delightfully easy to make, Herbed Oven Fried Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy the comfort of fried chicken without the guilt of deep frying. This recipe combines juicy chicken drumsticks or thighs with a crunchy, golden coating made from panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a fragrant blend of dried herbs like thyme and oregano. A buttermilk and egg marinade ensures the chicken stays tender and moist, while a light drizzle of olive oil or cooking spray guarantees a perfectly crisp finish in the oven. Ready in just an hour, this healthier twist on a classic is ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauce for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (optional) olive oil or cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, mix the flour with half the paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining half of the paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel, then dip each piece into the flour mixture, coating evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 6

Next, dip the chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.

Step 7

Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated.

Step 8

Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 9

Lightly drizzle the tops of the chicken with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through cooking, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 11

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1745 grams (1745.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3342

Total Fat 165.70g	212%
Saturated Fat 48.30g	242%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 1369mg	456%
Sodium 4553mg	198%
Total Carbohydrate 148.60g	54%
Dietary Fiber 7.10g	25%
Total Sugars 16.40g
Protein 317.10g	634%

Vitamin D 168IU	840%
Calcium 948mg	73%
Iron 21mg	117%
Potassium 3314mg	71%

*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: 44.5%

Protein: 37.8%

Carbs: 17.7%