Craving that crispy, flavorful fried chicken but want to skip the oil? You HAVE to try this oven-baked version that tastes SO close to the real deal! It’s ridiculously easy and incredibly delicious. Get ready to impress everyone!
**Oven-Baked “KFC Style” Chicken**
This recipe delivers that craveable crunch and juicy flavor right from your oven!
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes (+ 2-4 hours marinating)
**Cook time:** 40-50 minutes
**Ingredients:**
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8 chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs work best)
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* 1 cup buttermilk
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* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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* 1 teaspoon paprika
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* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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* 1 teaspoon onion powder
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* 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, but recommended for that classic flavor!)
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* 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
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* 1 teaspoon salt
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* ½ teaspoon black pepper
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* ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little kick, optional)
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* Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil for the baking sheet
**Instructions:**
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**Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, to tenderize and add flavor.
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2. **Preheat Oven & Prep:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil.
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3. **Mix the Dry Coating:** In a shallow dish or a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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4. **Coat the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece generously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a good coating. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered!
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5. **Arrange & Bake:** Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching each other too much so they can crisp up nicely.
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6. **Cook to Perfection:** Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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7. **Rest & Serve:** Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside!
Enjoy your incredible homemade “KFC style” chicken! It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or your favorite comfort foods. Let me know how it turns out! 