Kicked Up Oven Fried Chicken
Turn up the flavor with this irresistible Kicked Up Oven Fried Chicken, an easy-to-make baked recipe that delivers the crispy, golden perfection of fried chicken without the grease. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce, the chicken stays juicy and tender, while the seasoned coating—featuring panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and a dash of cayenne—packs an irresistible crunch with just the right amount of heat. This recipe is baked on a rack for an evenly crispy finish and brushed with butter or oil spray to achieve that signature fried chicken glow. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it’s a healthier twist on comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to complete the meal!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces each bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil spray
Instructions
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and add the hot sauce. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a metal cooling rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking oil spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.
Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared rack in a single layer, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart. Brush the tops with melted butter or spray generously with cooking oil spray for a golden, crispy finish.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Kicked-Up Oven-Fried Chicken with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 137.2 g | 176% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.4 g | 252% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 597 mg | 199% | |
| Sodium | 4366 mg | 190% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 209.6 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.3 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.7 g | ||
| Protein | 151.6 g | 303% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.5 mcg | 37% | |
| Calcium | 712 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 18.1 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 2240 mg | 48% | |
*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.
