Un Fried Chicken

Craving the satisfying crispiness of fried chicken without the grease and guilt? Meet "Un Fried Chicken," a healthier twist on a comfort food classic that's baked to golden perfection. This oven-baked recipe features bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks marinated in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for tender, juicy meat. A flavorful coating of panko breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices like paprika and garlic powder ensures every bite is crunchy and savory. The magic happens in the oven, where a light spray of cooking oil helps the breading achieve the irresistible texture of fried chicken—no deep fryer required! Ready in just under an hour, this dish is perfect for family dinners and pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces, salads, or roasted vegetables. Keywords: healthier fried chicken, baked chicken recipe, guilt-free comfort food, crispy oven chicken.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 as needed non-stick cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack over the baking sheet and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 3

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour and panko mixture. Press gently to adhere the coating.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with non-stick cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy texture.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crisp.

Step 8

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of vegetables!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1572 grams (1572.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2894

Total Fat 109.10g	140%
Saturated Fat 33.70g	169%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.00g
Cholesterol 806mg	269%
Sodium 3113mg	135%
Total Carbohydrate 215.10g	78%
Dietary Fiber 11.60g	41%
Total Sugars 28.60g
Protein 252.30g	505%

Vitamin D 294IU	1469%
Calcium 764mg	59%
Iron 21mg	117%
Potassium 3065mg	65%

*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: 34.4%

Protein: 35.4%

Carbs: 30.2%