Craving the satisfying crispiness of fried chicken without the grease and guilt? Meet "Un Fried Chicken," a healthier twist on a comfort food classic that's baked to golden perfection. This oven-baked recipe features bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks marinated in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for tender, juicy meat. A flavorful coating of panko breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices like paprika and garlic powder ensures every bite is crunchy and savory. The magic happens in the oven, where a light spray of cooking oil helps the breading achieve the irresistible texture of fried chickenβno deep fryer required! Ready in just under an hour, this dish is perfect for family dinners and pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces, salads, or roasted vegetables. Keywords: healthier fried chicken, baked chicken recipe, guilt-free comfort food, crispy oven chicken.
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack over the baking sheet and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour and panko mixture. Press gently to adhere the coating.
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even baking.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with non-stick cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and the coating is golden and crisp.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of vegetables!
Calories |
2894 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 109.1 g | 140% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.7 g | 168% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 806 mg | 269% | |
| Sodium | 3113 mg | 135% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 215.1 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.6 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.6 g | ||
| Protein | 252.3 g | 505% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.3 mcg | 37% | |
| Calcium | 764 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 21.0 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 3065 mg | 65% | |
*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.