Homemade KFC-Style Oven Fried Chicken

Table of Contents

Homemade KFC-Style Oven Fried Chicken 🍗🔥

Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—just like the Colonel’s, but healthier and baked to perfection!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Chicken & Marinade:

8 chicken drumsticks or thighs (skin-on for extra crispiness)

1 cup buttermilk *(or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar)*
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Coating:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika (smoked for depth)

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme (or poultry seasoning)
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

2 tbsp cornstarch (extra crunch!)

For Baking:

3 tbsp melted butter or oil (for drizzle)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Add chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight for max flavor).

2. Prep Coating:

In a shallow dish, whisk flour, spices, and cornstarch.

3. Coat & Bake:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil (add a rack for crispier skin).

Remove chicken from buttermilk (let excess drip off).
Dredge each piece in the flour mix, pressing firmly to adhere.
Place on the baking sheet, spaced apart. Drizzle melted butter/oil over the top.

Bake for 45–50 mins (drumsticks) or 50–55 mins (thighs), flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Crisp It Up (Optional):

Broil for 2–3 mins at the end for extra crunch!

Pro Tips:

✔ Double-dip for extra crunch: After first flour coat, dip back in buttermilk, then flour again.
✔ Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to prevent soggy bottoms.
✔ No buttermilk? Substitute with Greek yogurt thinned with water.

Why It’s Better Than Takeout:

🔥 Healthier: Baked, not deep-fried!
🔥 Crispy AF: Cornstarch + butter drizzle = golden perfection.
🔥 Customizable: Adjust spices to your taste (add more cayenne for heat!).

Serve with:

Mashed potatoes & gravy 🥔

Coleslaw 🥬
Biscuits 🥖

Air Fryer Option:

Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 mins, flipping halfway.

Secret to KFC flavor? The marination in buttermilk—it tenderizes and adds tang! Want a gluten-free version? Swap flour for almond flour + crushed pork rinds. 😉