Crunchy No Fry Chicken
Craving crispy fried chicken without the guilt? This Crunchy No Fry Chicken recipe is your new go-to for a healthier, hassle-free alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor! Tender chicken drumsticks and thighs are marinated in tangy buttermilk (with a splash of hot sauce, if you're feeling bold) and then coated in a perfectly seasoned mixture of panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic, and thyme. The secret? Instead of frying, these golden beauties are baked to crunchy perfection in a hot oven, with just a spritz of cooking spray to ensure a crispy, golden crust. Ready in under an hour, this oven-baked chicken delivers all the flavor and crunch without the mess or added fat—ideal for busy weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing family meal. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a guilt-free twist on a comfort food classic!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks or thighs (skinless)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon Hot sauce (optional)
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- as needed Cooking spray
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for better flavor.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
3. In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. In another shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour.
5. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour, then return it briefly to the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
7. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray to help the coating crisp up during baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is recommended for safe consumption.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy and crunchy no fry chicken!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1840 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.8 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.0 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 715 mg | 238% | |
| Sodium | 4148 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 123.4 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.7 g | ||
| Protein | 242.0 g | 484% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.6 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 431 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 2313 mg | 49% | |
*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.
