Homemade Oven-Baked KFC Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This homemade oven-baked KFC-style chicken is crispy, flavorful, and a healthier twist on the classic fried favorite. With a blend of aromatic spices and buttermilk marinade, you’ll enjoy juicy, tender chicken right from your oven.

Ingredients

• 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks or thighs)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
• Cooking spray or a few tablespoons of vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to tenderize and add flavor.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the flour with all the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, ginger, white pepper, and chili powder if using.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it on firmly for a good crust.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared wire rack. Lightly spray or brush the tops with cooking spray or oil to promote browning.
6. Step 6: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to retain juices and enhance flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken by repeating the buttermilk and flour coating steps.
• Adjust the chili powder to your preferred heat level or omit if you want a milder flavor.
• Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, helping it crisp evenly without frying.
• Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicier twist.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to crisp it up again and warm through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or wings, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through without drying out.

Is it necessary to marinate in buttermilk?

Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

Homemade Oven-Baked KFC Chicken Recipe

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A crispy, flavorful homemade version of KFC-style chicken baked in the oven. This recipe uses a buttermilk marinade and a blend of herbs and spices to create tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating without deep frying.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including marinating time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

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Chicken and Marinade

• 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks or thighs)
• 2 cups buttermilk

Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)

For Baking

• Cooking spray or a few tablespoons of vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
2. Prepare the oven and rack. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly grease the rack with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the seasoned flour coating. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, ground ginger, white pepper, and chili powder if using. Stir until evenly mixed.
4. Coat the chicken. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
5. Arrange and prepare for baking. Place the coated chicken pieces spaced evenly on the greased wire rack over the baking sheet. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil to help crisp the crust.
6. Bake the chicken. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and serve. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.

Notes

• For best results, marinate the chicken overnight in the buttermilk for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place chicken directly on a greased baking sheet but the bottom may not crisp as much.
• Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference or omit if you want a milder flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: KFC chicken recipe, oven fried chicken, homemade KFC style chicken, baked crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe