Oven Fried Spicy Chicken

Crispy, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection, this Oven Fried Spicy Chicken is a healthier twist on classic fried chicken without sacrificing any of the crunch or spice. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, the chicken stays incredibly juicy while the seasoned coating—featuring panko breadcrumbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder—delivers bold flavor with a satisfying crunch. A quick spray of olive oil ensures a crispy texture straight out of the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Ready in just an hour, this baked spicy chicken pairs beautifully with your favorite sides, from creamy coleslaw to roasted vegetables. Say goodbye to greasy fried chicken and hello to this guilt-free comfort food!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken drumsticks (or thighs)
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 2 tbsp Hot sauce
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Paprika
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1.5 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 0 as needed Olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lightly grease it with olive oil spray.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Shake off any excess coating and place the chicken on the prepared wire rack.

Step 5

Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with olive oil spray, which will help them crisp up in the oven.

Step 6

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure even browning. Spray the flipped side with a bit more olive oil spray, if needed.

Step 7

Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. To confirm doneness, the internal temperature of the thickest part 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. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a delicious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1380.2 grams (1380.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2425

Total Fat 96.20g	123%
Saturated Fat 28.70g	144%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 871mg	290%
Sodium 5505mg	239%
Total Carbohydrate 155.50g	57%
Dietary Fiber 9.50g	34%
Total Sugars 16.80g
Protein 231.50g	463%

Vitamin D 172IU	861%
Calcium 463mg	36%
Iron 19mg	103%
Potassium 2784mg	59%

*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: 35.9%

Protein: 38.4%

Carbs: 25.8%