Easy Southern Oven Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Southern Oven Fried Chicken brings all the comfort of classic fried chicken without the deep-frying mess. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and seasoned with a kick of optional spices like cayenne and hot sauce, each bite is juicy and tender on the inside with the perfect crunch on the outside, thanks to a seasoned flour coating and oven-baking technique. Melted butter under the wire rack delivers that crave-worthy crispiness while keeping it lighter than traditional frying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this hassle-free recipe pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, refreshing coleslaw, or warm cornbread. Indulge in the irresistible charm of Southern cooking made easy!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or drumsticks)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- as needed cooking spray
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Submerge the chicken pieces in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large resealable bag or shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack. Distribute the unsalted butter in small pats around the baking sheet underneath the rack; as the butter melts, it will help crisp up the chicken.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Flip each piece over carefully and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Easy Southern Oven Fried Chicken with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1277 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.5 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.6 g | 148% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 360 mg | 120% | |
| Sodium | 1302 mg | 57% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.8 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.5 g | ||
| Protein | 78.1 g | 156% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 199 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 985 mg | 21% | |
*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.
