A delightful oven-baked alternative to fried chicken that combines the savory flavors loved by many with a healthier twist. Inspired by the secret herbs and spices of KFC chicken, this recipe guarantees tender juicy chicken with irresistibly baked crispy skin.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons hot sauce
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot enough for a perfect crispy crust.
Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken thighs in the mixture, ensuring they're fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum tenderness.
Prepare the seasoning blend: In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.
Arrange on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the sheet, skin-side up, ensuring they are not touching.
Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Rest and serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
