There’s nothing quite like the comforting crunch of fried chicken. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, laughter, and second helpings. But what if you could enjoy that same crispy, golden goodness without deep frying? Enter Oven Fried Chicken Inspired by KFC—a lighter, easier way to bring the flavor of your favorite bucket meal right into your kitchen.
With simple pantry spices, juicy chicken, and a clever oven-baking method, this recipe delivers all the nostalgic comfort you crave while keeping things beginner-friendly and fuss-free. Perfect for Sunday dinners, weeknight cravings, or family gatherings—it’s cozy comfort food at its best.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner / Comfort Food |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories | ~420 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, drumsticks)
- 2 cups buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as substitute)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Marinate the chicken
Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it sit at least 1 hour (overnight in the fridge for best flavor). This keeps the meat tender and juicy. - Preheat the oven
Heat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and place a wire rack on top for extra crispiness. - Prepare the coating
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. - Dredge the chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk, shaking off excess. Coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick. - Arrange and drizzle
Place chicken pieces on the wire rack. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top for golden crispiness. - Bake until crispy
Bake 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). - Rest & serve
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Extra crispy tip: Double dredge the chicken by dipping in buttermilk again and coating with flour a second time.
- Butter placement: Drizzling or dotting butter on top gives that golden, fried look without deep frying.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best crispness.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy kick: Add extra cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
- Herb lover’s version: Use rosemary and sage for a more aromatic crust.
- Lighter option: Swap buttermilk for plain Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for classic comfort.
- Pair with coleslaw and biscuits for a true “KFC-style” meal.
- Add a side of corn on the cob or a fresh green salad for balance.
Conclusion
This Oven Fried Chicken Inspired by KFC is all about comfort, family, and flavor without the fuss of frying. With its crispy golden crust and juicy inside, it’s bound to become a new favorite at your table. Make it fresh, share it warm, and savor the nostalgic taste of cozy comfort food.