Oven Fried Chicken Your Way

Crispy, juicy, and completely customizable, "Oven Fried Chicken Your Way" is the perfect homemade alternative to the deep-fried classic. With tender chicken drumsticks or thighs marinated in tangy buttermilk (and a dash of hot sauce for spice lovers), this recipe locks in flavor while keeping it simple. The golden crust comes from a seasoned blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (optional for extra savoriness), and pantry spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Baked on a wire rack at 400°F, this healthier twist delivers all the crunch without the guilt, thanks to a light spritz of cooking oil. Whether you prefer it mild or with a bold kick, this versatile dish is perfect for family dinners, game days, or meal prep. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks or thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional for marinade)
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (optional, grated)
• 1 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0 as needed cooking oil spray (e.g., olive oil)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken drumsticks or thighs in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Add hot sauce if desired for extra flavor. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.

Step 4

One by one, remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Coat the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.

Step 5

Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking oil to help with browning and crispiness during baking.

Step 6

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, turning each piece halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

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

Step 8

Serve hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1706.1 grams (1706.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3520

Total Fat 179.30g	230%
Saturated Fat 65.60g	328%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.00g
Cholesterol 821mg	274%
Sodium 6548mg	285%
Total Carbohydrate 231.50g	84%
Dietary Fiber 9.30g	33%
Total Sugars 29.90g
Protein 235.40g	471%

Vitamin D 341IU	1707%
Calcium 2040mg	157%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 2587mg	55%

*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: 46.4%

Protein: 27.0%

Carbs: 26.6%