Craving crispy, golden fried chicken without the mess of deep frying? This Easy Oven Fried Chicken recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken with a healthier, hassle-free twist. Juicy chicken drumsticks are marinated in tangy buttermilk for extra tenderness, then coated in a flavorful blend of all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and spices like paprika and garlic powder. A quick spray of olive oil helps the chicken crisp up beautifully in the oven, no heavy oil required! With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a bake time of 40, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Serve it alongside your favorite dipping sauce or comfort-food sides for a meal that's guaranteed to satisfy. Keywords: oven fried chicken, crispy baked chicken, healthy fried chicken alternative.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour in the buttermilk. Ensure the chicken is fully coated, then set aside for 10 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well to form a seasoned coating mixture.
Remove each drumstick from the buttermilk one at a time, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Place the coated drumsticks on the prepared wire rack.
Lightly spray the coated chicken drumsticks with olive oil spray or cooking spray to help them crisp in the oven.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, turning halfway through the cook time, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Calories |
2033 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 69.9 g | 90% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.2 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 585 mg | 195% | |
| Sodium | 3053 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 190.5 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.3 g | ||
| Protein | 162.1 g | 324% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 395 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 15.3 mg | 85% | |
| Potassium | 2116 mg | 45% | |
*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.