Thunder Bay Oven Fried Chicken
Get ready to savor the perfect balance of crunch and juicy goodness with Thunder Bay Oven Fried Chicken—a healthier twist on a comfort food classic! This recipe transforms bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks into crispy, golden perfection using a seasoned breadcrumb and panko coating flavored with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Marinated in tangy buttermilk for maximum tenderness, the chicken is baked to crispy perfection in the oven with a light spray of olive oil, making it less greasy but just as indulgent. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this oven-fried chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings without the deep fryer. Serve with your favorite sides for a wholesome, finger-licking meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- as needed olive oil spray
Instructions
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and generously cover with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor and tenderness.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet if available to help air circulate and achieve crispiness.
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of the buttermilk from the chicken marinade. Set aside.
In a separate large shallow dish, combine the flour, regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, coating it evenly.
Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that it is well-coated on all sides. Gently shake off any excess coating and place the chicken on the wire rack (or directly on the lined baking sheet).
Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray to help it crisp up during baking.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to ensure even browning. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Thunder Bay Oven Fried Chicken with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1292 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 69.5 g | 89% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.0 g | 100% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 380 mg | 127% | |
| Sodium | 1576 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.9 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 87.1 g | 174% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 249 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 1102 mg | 23% | |
*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.
