Homemade KFC-Style Oven-Baked Chicken Recipe
This Homemade KFC-Style Oven-Baked Chicken recipe delivers crispy, flavorful fried chicken without the deep frying. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mix, the chicken bakes to golden perfection on a wire rack, ensuring a crunchy exterior and juicy inside. It’s a healthier, easy-to-make alternative to traditional fried chicken, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or bone-in breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Coating Mix
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the rack)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the seasoned crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Thoroughly dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Arrange for Baking: Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Arrange coated chicken pieces on the rack, spacing them apart so they do not touch for even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices. Serve warm with your favorite sides and dipping sauces.
Notes
- Increase cayenne pepper or add chili powder if you prefer extra spice.
- Add dried basil, rosemary, or sage to the coating mix for herb-infused variations.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked chicken in a single layer, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes; broil for the last 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Keywords: KFC style chicken, oven-baked chicken, crispy baked chicken, buttermilk chicken, homemade fried chicken, healthy fried chicken alternative
