Description
This Southern Oven Fried Chicken is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside—without the mess of deep frying. Marinated in spiced buttermilk and baked to perfection, it’s a flavorful and simple comfort food classic everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs and/or drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 ½ tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Dredge:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- Breading:
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Nonstick cooking spray or 1 tablespoon butter (for baking sheet)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, chili powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix well.
- Add half of the spice mixture to the buttermilk and mix until combined.
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour seasoned buttermilk over them. Toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a baking sheet inside to heat.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together bread crumbs, flour, and remaining spice mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk or cream.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dip each piece in the egg mixture, then dredge in the breading mixture. Set aside on a plate.
- Remove hot baking sheet from oven and coat with nonstick spray or butter.
- Place chicken skin-side down on the hot sheet. Optionally spray tops of chicken with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip each piece and bake for another 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 164°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Notes
- Marinating overnight is key to flavor and tenderness.
- Heating the baking sheet before adding chicken helps develop a crispy crust.
- Nonstick spray or a little butter on top aids in browning and crispiness.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or your favorite Southern sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 589
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
