Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven

Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven

This homemade oven-fried chicken gives you the crispy texture and bold seasoning of KFC without the need for deep frying. Perfectly golden, crunchy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, it’s a healthier twist on a fast-food favorite that’s easy to make at home with pantry staples.For another easy and flavorful dinner, try this creamy baked eggs with cheese recipe from tinsuf.com — quick, filling, and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks or thighs

1 cup buttermilk

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

3 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

Directions

Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks or thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour in the buttermilk, making sure the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with oil or nonstick spray.

Prepare the flour coating: In a large shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).

Dredge the chicken: Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating. Shake off any excess.

Arrange and oil the chicken: Place the coated chicken on the prepared rack. Lightly brush or drizzle each piece with vegetable oil or melted butter to promote crispiness.

Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The coating should be golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

Extra Crispy: Double-dip the chicken by dipping it again in buttermilk and flour for an extra thick crust.

Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or white vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes.

Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp of chili powder or increase cayenne for a hotter flavor.

Boneless Option: Use boneless chicken tenders and reduce the baking time by 10 minutes.

Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooled pieces for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes for best texture.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Marinate Time: 1 hour (or overnight)

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (excluding overnight marination)

Servings: 4–6 pieces

Tools Used

Large mixing bowl

Zip-top bag or container for marinating

Baking tray with wire rack

Parchment paper or foil

Basting brush or spoon

Discover More

Baked Eggs with Cheese – Tinsuf

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No-Bake Creamy Cheesecake – Tinsuf

Final Thoughts

This homemade KFC-style chicken made in the oven proves that you don’t need a deep fryer to achieve mouthwatering crunch and flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend comfort meal. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s a winning recipe for families, food lovers, and anyone craving crispy chicken without the grease. For more recipes that combine comfort and convenience, explore more ideas on tinsuf.com.