Crispy, golden, and irresistibly flavorful, oven-baked buttermilk chicken is the ultimate comfort food made healthier! This recipe combines tender chicken drumsticks or thighs soaked in a tangy, spiced buttermilk marinade that infuses every bite with rich flavor. Coated in a perfectly seasoned crust of flour, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, then drizzled with melted butter before baking, the result is crispy, juicy chicken with no need for frying. With fragrant hints of oregano, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper, this dish delivers a delightful balance of heat and earthiness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad for a meal the whole family will love. Whether you're looking for baked chicken recipes or healthy comfort food ideas, this easy and satisfying dish is sure to impress!
In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat the 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 cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, shaking off any excess, but do not rinse. Coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chicken to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite side dishes or dips.
Calories |
3659 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 147.2 g | 189% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.9 g | 244% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1210 mg | 403% | |
| Sodium | 6382 mg | 277% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 253.1 g | 92% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.6 g | ||
| Protein | 330.1 g | 660% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.3 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 1282 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 25.9 mg | 144% | |
| Potassium | 3843 mg | 82% | |
*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.