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Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven

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This homemade KFC-style oven-baked chicken delivers crispy, golden skin and juicy meat, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. It’s a healthier, mess-free alternative to deep frying, with all the flavor of the fast food classic.

Ingredients

  • 2.5–3 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
  • 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Olive oil or cooking spray (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack over a tray.
  3. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, basil, celery salt, white pepper, and baking powder.
  4. Remove chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.
  5. Place coated chicken on the baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush each piece with oil.
  6. Bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to keep juices in and coating crisp.

Notes

  • Add cayenne pepper or hot paprika for a spicy version.
  • Use a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free chicken.
  • Boneless pieces like tenders work too—reduce bake time by 10–15 minutes.
  • For extra flavor, try adding ground mustard or ginger to the flour mix.
  • Don’t skip the oil spray—it helps the crust crisp in the oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/homemade-kfc-chicken-in-the-oven/