Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: buttermilk oven fried chicken! It’s got that irresistible crispy texture that makes every bite a delight. The secret? A flavorful coating that has just the right kick. Whenever I make this for family gatherings, I swear it disappears faster than I can serve it! The kids love it, and the adults can’t resist going back for seconds. Plus, it’s baked, not fried, so you can enjoy that crunchy goodness without the guilt. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for any occasion. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Ingredients for Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken
To whip up this delicious buttermilk oven fried chicken, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Cooking spray (for that perfect crisp)
These ingredients blend together beautifully to create the ultimate crispy chicken experience. Get ready to dive into some serious flavor!
How to Prepare Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken
Now, let’s get into the fun part—preparing your buttermilk oven fried chicken! First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for that crispy texture we all crave!
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir it well to mix all those flavors together. Once that’s done, add your chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure they’re fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. For best results, let them soak for at least 1 hour—this is where the magic happens! If you can marinate them overnight, even better!
After soaking, take the chicken out and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Now, it’s time to dredge! Place your flour in a separate bowl and coat each piece of chicken thoroughly, ensuring every inch is covered—this creates that glorious crust.
Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give each piece a light spray of cooking spray for an extra crispy finish. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks irresistible and the juices run clear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with a delightful crispy coating.
- Baked instead of fried, so it’s a healthier option.
- Customizable with your favorite spices for a unique twist.
- Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Seriously, each bite is a crunchy, juicy explosion of flavor that everyone will rave about!
Tips for Success
To really nail that buttermilk oven fried chicken, there are a few pro tips I swear by. First, don’t rush the marinating—letting the chicken soak overnight is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness. When you dredge in flour, make sure to shake off any excess; you want a nice even coating without clumps. Also, keep an eye on your baking time—every oven is different, and you’ll want that chicken to reach a golden brown color. Lastly, for an extra crispy finish, a quick spray of cooking spray right before it goes in the oven makes all the difference. Trust me, you’ll love the results!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This buttermilk oven fried chicken is not only delicious but also packs a decent nutritional punch. Each serving (which is one piece of chicken) contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbs. Keep in mind these values are estimates, so they might vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients you use. Still, it feels good to know you’re enjoying something tasty without going overboard!
FAQ About Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken
You might have some questions about making this scrumptious buttermilk oven fried chicken, so let’s tackle a few of the most common ones!
Can I use boneless chicken? Absolutely! Boneless chicken works great, just adjust the cooking time since it may cook faster.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice—let it sit for about 5 minutes.
How can I make it spicier? If you love heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or even add some hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for an extra kick!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight, and it’ll taste even better the next day. Just remember to coat and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve!
These tips should help you feel confident and excited as you prepare this delicious meal. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), you’ll want to store your buttermilk oven fried chicken properly to keep that delicious crunch. Let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to reheat. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and pop it in for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain that crispy coating, giving you that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience. Enjoy every bite!
Variations of Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken
Feeling adventurous? There are so many ways to switch up your buttermilk oven fried chicken! For a smoky twist, try adding chipotle powder or smoked paprika to the buttermilk marinade. If you’re in the mood for something zesty, a splash of lemon juice or some grated lemon zest can brighten up the flavors. You can also experiment with different cuts of chicken—think wings or even a whole spatchcocked chicken! The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a new flavor adventure to your table!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to pairing side dishes with your buttermilk oven fried chicken, the options are delightful! I love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh, tangy coleslaw for that perfect crunch. You can’t go wrong with some buttery corn on the cob or a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. And of course, don’t forget some fluffy biscuits to soak up all that delicious flavor!
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Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken: 5 Irresistible Secrets
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy buttermilk oven fried chicken with a flavorful coating.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Soak the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture for at least 1 hour.
- In another bowl, place the flour.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, coating well.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet.
- Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
- You can use any cut of chicken.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: buttermilk oven fried chicken, crispy chicken, baked chicken recipe
