Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven
Crispy. Juicy. Finger-lickin’ good — and baked, not fried!
Skip the drive-thru and make your own KFC-style chicken at home with this easy, healthier oven-baked version. Same crave-worthy crunch, less guilt!
🛒 Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional – for heat)
- Olive oil spray or melted butter (for crispy finish)
👨🍳 Directions:
1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours (or overnight for max flavor).
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease lightly.
3. In a large bowl, mix the flour and all the spices.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess buttermilk, and coat well in the seasoned flour.
5. Arrange the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Lightly spray with olive oil or brush with melted butter to help crisp up the coating.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked.
✨ Pro Tip:
For extra crunch, let the coated chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before baking. It helps the flour set better!
Prep Time: 10 mins (+ marinating)
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 4
