Experience the ultimate comfort food makeover with this Ranch Oven Fried Chicken—a crispy, golden-brown delight that skips the deep fryer without sacrificing crunch or flavor. This easy-to-make dish features juicy, tender chicken drumsticks marinated in tangy buttermilk and ranch seasoning for a burst of savory goodness in every bite. Coated in a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, and garlic powder, and baked to perfection, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of classic fried chicken without the guilt. The addition of melted butter ensures the coating is irresistibly crisp, while baking keeps things light and hassle-free. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, serve this oven-fried chicken alongside a fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the wire rack with nonstick cooking spray.
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, remaining 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the chicken drumsticks from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Coat each drumstick thoroughly in the dry flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
Place the coated drumsticks on the prepared wire rack. Melt the butter in a small bowl and drizzle it evenly over the coated chicken pieces to enhance crispness while baking.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
3055 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 214.1 g | 274% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.9 g | 130% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 132 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 2656 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 197.7 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 31.4 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 70 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 11.5 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 298 mg | 6% | |
*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.