Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven – So Easy, So Tasty!

 

Here’s a simple, oven-baked version of Homemade KFC-Style Chicken—crispy, flavorful, and finger-lickin’ good, without the deep fryer!

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🍗 Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 8 chicken drumsticks or thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best results)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice)
• 1 tsp salt

For the Breading (KFC-style seasoning):

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp celery salt (optional but adds that KFC zing)
• ½ tsp white pepper (important for that authentic taste!)
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

To Crisp Up (optional but recommended):

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a large bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This tenderizes and flavors the chicken.

2. Preheat & Prep:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray or brush the rack lightly with oil.

3. Mix the Breading:

   • In a shallow dish, combine all the breading ingredients. Mix thoroughly.

4. Coat the Chicken:

   • Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
   • Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to coat well. For extra crispiness, double-dip: dip in buttermilk again, then dredge once more in flour.

5. Bake:

   • Arrange the coated chicken on the wire rack.
   • Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the chicken to help it crisp up.
   • Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest & Serve:

   • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits!

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🔥 Tips for Success:

• Wire rack allows heat to circulate, keeping the chicken crispy all around.
• Double-dipping creates a crunchier crust.
• For a spicy kick, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Would you like a version with air fryer instructions or a dipping sauce recommendation to go with it?