Oven Baked Buttermilk Chicken

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly flavorful, oven-baked buttermilk chicken is the ultimate comfort food made healthier! This recipe combines tender chicken drumsticks or thighs soaked in a tangy, spiced buttermilk marinade that infuses every bite with rich flavor. Coated in a perfectly seasoned crust of flour, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, then drizzled with melted butter before baking, the result is crispy, juicy chicken with no need for frying. With fragrant hints of oregano, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper, this dish delivers a delightful balance of heat and earthiness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad for a meal the whole family will love. Whether you're looking for baked chicken recipes or healthy comfort food ideas, this easy and satisfying dish is sure to impress!

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
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
• 0 as needed Cooking spray or oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2

Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, shaking off any excess, but do not rinse. Coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 6

Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 7

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chicken to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite side dishes or dips.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2048.5 grams (2048.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3659

Total Fat 147.20g	189%
Saturated Fat 48.90g	244%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.00g
Cholesterol 1210mg	403%
Sodium 6382mg	277%
Total Carbohydrate 253.10g	92%
Dietary Fiber 11.50g	41%
Total Sugars 32.60g
Protein 330.10g	660%

Vitamin D 254IU	1269%
Calcium 1282mg	99%
Iron 26mg	144%
Potassium 3843mg	82%

*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: 36.2%

Protein: 36.1%

Carbs: 27.7%