Oven Fried Chicken Cooking Light
Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, this Oven-Fried Chicken Cooking Light recipe is a healthier take on a comfort food classic. Tender, juicy chicken drumsticks are marinated in tangy buttermilk and a kick of hot sauce, then coated in a perfectly seasoned panko breadcrumb crust infused with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Baked to perfection on a wire rack, this oven-fried chicken achieves a crunchy, satisfying texture without the need for deep frying. Ready in just an hour with minimal hands-on time, this recipe makes a wholesome, family-friendly dinner that’s lower in fat but full of bold, savory flavors. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a meal that’s both delicious and guilt-free!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces skinless chicken drumsticks
- 1.5 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1.5 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken drumsticks to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and place an elevated wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
Place the coated chicken drumsticks on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil cooking spray. This step helps the coating brown and become crispy in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crisp. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking for even browning.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or sides!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2346 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.0 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.1 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 784 mg | 261% | |
| Sodium | 4932 mg | 214% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 169.5 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.8 g | ||
| Protein | 210.3 g | 421% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.8 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 594 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 13.7 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 2602 mg | 55% | |
*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.
