Crispy, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection, this Oven Fried Spicy Chicken is a healthier twist on classic fried chicken without sacrificing any of the crunch or spice. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, the chicken stays incredibly juicy while the seasoned coating—featuring panko breadcrumbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder—delivers bold flavor with a satisfying crunch. A quick spray of olive oil ensures a crispy texture straight out of the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Ready in just an hour, this baked spicy chicken pairs beautifully with your favorite sides, from creamy coleslaw to roasted vegetables. Say goodbye to greasy fried chicken and hello to this guilt-free comfort food!
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Shake off any excess coating and place the chicken on the prepared wire rack.
Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with olive oil spray, which will help them crisp up in the oven.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure even browning. Spray the flipped side with a bit more olive oil spray, if needed.
Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. To confirm doneness, the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a delicious meal.
Calories |
2425 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 96.2 g | 123% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.7 g | 144% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 870 mg | 290% | |
| Sodium | 5505 mg | 239% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 155.5 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.8 g | ||
| Protein | 231.5 g | 463% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.3 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 463 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 18.5 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 2784 mg | 59% | |
*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.