Introduction

Looking for a mouthwatering dish that combines the indulgent crunch of fried chicken with the healthier twist of oven baking? Look no further! Our Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken recipe is the ultimate solution. It’s a perfect marriage of juicy, tender chicken and a crispy, golden coating that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, with the magic of buttermilk, you’ll achieve that iconic southern flavor in every bite. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some crispy perfection to your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 8 pieces of chicken (preferably drumsticks and thighs)
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
• Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully submerged.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step ensures tender, flavorful chicken.
2. Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the coating for the chicken.
3. Prepare the Coating:
• In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well combined. This flavorful mixture will give your chicken that irresistible crunch.
4. Coat the Chicken:
• Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let any excess buttermilk drip off.
• Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere.
5. Bake to Perfection:
• Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet or a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
• Lightly spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. This will help the coating crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
• Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Serve your Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness!

Conclusion

With our Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken recipe, you can indulge in the irresistible taste of fried chicken without the guilt of deep frying. The magic of buttermilk and the perfect blend of spices create a dish that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, fire up your oven and get ready to savor the crispy perfection of homemade fried chicken like never before!