Nutty Oven Fried Chicken

Crispy, flavorful, and packed with a nutty crunch, this Nutty Oven Fried Chicken redefines comfort food with a wholesome twist. Marinated in a tangy buttermilk and honey mixture, tender chicken drumsticks are coated in a golden crust made from coarsely ground almonds, panko breadcrumbs, and a punchy blend of spices like garlic powder and paprika. Baked to perfection, this oven-fried recipe delivers all the crispiness you crave without the excess oil, making it a healthier yet indulgent alternative to traditional fried chicken. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a light salad. Plus, the irresistibly crunchy, nut-infused coating ensures it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup unsalted almonds
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 0 olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the paper with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and honey. Add the chicken drumsticks, turning to coat. Let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk mixture for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Step 3

While the chicken marinates, prepare the coating. In a food processor, pulse the almonds until they are coarsely ground. Transfer the ground almonds to a shallow dish and mix in the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten egg in another, and the almond-panko mixture in a third.

Step 5

Remove one drumstick from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Dredge it in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with the almond-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated drumstick on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining drumsticks.

Step 6

Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken pieces with olive oil spray to help them crisp up in the oven.

Step 7

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, nutty oven-fried chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1369.6 grams (1369.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2821

Total Fat 147.60g	189%
Saturated Fat 31.80g	159%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.20g
Cholesterol 967mg	322%
Sodium 3619mg	157%
Total Carbohydrate 159.50g	58%
Dietary Fiber 18.50g	66%
Total Sugars 54.40g
Protein 229.70g	459%

Vitamin D 175IU	875%
Calcium 734mg	56%
Iron 18mg	100%
Potassium 3173mg	68%

*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: 46.0%

Protein: 31.8%

Carbs: 22.1%