Enjoy all the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the guilt with this healthier twist on a classic—Oven Fried Chicken WW! This Weight Watchers-inspired recipe swaps the deep fryer for the oven, creating golden, crispy chicken drumsticks or thighs that are both delicious and nourishing. Marinated in tangy low-fat buttermilk with a hint of optional hot sauce, each piece is coated in a flavorful blend of whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and savory spices like paprika and thyme. The final touch? A mist of cooking spray that helps the coating crisp up beautifully in the oven. Ready in just under an hour, this crispy oven-fried chicken is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Pair it with fresh veggies or your favorite wholesome side dish for a mouthwatering meal that’s packed with flavor and health-conscious appeal!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the low-fat buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Submerge the chicken pieces in this mixture and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
In a shallow dish, mix together the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to adhere.
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack. Leave enough space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy and delicious oven-fried chicken!
Serving size | 996.2 grams (996.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1421 |
Total Fat 32.90g | 42% |
Saturated Fat 10.70g | 53% |
Cholesterol 530mg | 177% |
Sodium 3095mg | 135% |
Total Carbohydrate 99.00g | 36% |
Dietary Fiber 14.10g | 50% |
Total Sugars 16.30g | |
Protein 173.30g | 347% |
Vitamin D 157IU | 785% |
Calcium 571mg | 44% |
Iron 13mg | 72% |
Potassium 2255mg | 48% |
Source of Calories