Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

Crispy buttermilk oven fried chicken brings pure comfort right to your dinner table.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this delectable dish with its golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.

Marinating meat in tangy buttermilk creates an irresistible tenderness that home cooks adore.

Crunchy seasoned breading delivers incredible flavor without excessive oil or complicated techniques.

Every bite promises a delightful crunch that makes traditional frying seem unnecessary.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can master this delicious recipe.

We promise this chicken will become your new favorite weeknight meal.

Key Ingredients For Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken

Chicken Base:
  • Chicken: Protein-rich main ingredient for the recipe.
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes and adds tangy flavor to the chicken.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Cornflakes/Cornmeal: Creates crispy exterior for the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne: Adds depth and spice to the coating.
  • Baking Powder: Helps create a lighter, crispier coating.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps coating stick to chicken.
  • Melted Butter or Oil: Adds golden color and extra crispness.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green finishing touch.

Cooking Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken Made Easy

Cooking Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken Made Easy

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk inside a large bowl or zip-top bag.

Seal and let the chicken soak in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Setup

Heat the oven to 425°F.

Position a wire rack on a baking sheet or line a tray with parchment paper to help achieve that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the following dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Crushed cornflakes
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Baking powder

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful, textured coating.

Step 4: Prepare Egg Wash

Whisk an egg in a separate bowl to help the coating adhere to the chicken.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Dip each piece into the egg wash, then roll in the seasoned flour mixture.

Press gently to ensure a complete, even coating.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared tray.

Lightly drizzle or spray the tops with melted butter or oil to enhance crispiness and golden color.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chicken for 40-45 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken Prep Tips

  • Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize meat and enhance juiciness.
  • Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
  • Lightly drizzle or spray melted butter or oil on chicken before baking to help achieve golden-brown, crispy skin.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, keeping meat tender and flavorful.

Save And Reheat Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken

  • Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining crispy exterior and juicy interior.
  • Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, rotating pieces to ensure even warming, though this method may slightly compromise the original crispy texture.

Side Pairings For Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken

  • Pair Zesty Slaw: Craft a tangy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to cut through the chicken's richness and provide refreshing crunch.
  • Complement with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a chilled, unoaked Chardonnay with bright acidity that balances the crispy, savory chicken flavors.
  • Serve Southern-Style Sides: Add creamy mac and cheese or buttery corn on the cob to enhance the comfort food experience and create a hearty meal.
  • Match with Craft Beer: Choose a light wheat beer or hoppy pale ale that can stand up to the spices and provide a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the fried chicken.

Different Takes On Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Crunch Chicken: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining the same crispy texture and flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Coating Chicken: Swap cornflakes with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the crunchy exterior and keeping the recipe low-carb friendly.
  • Dairy-Free Buttermilk Alternative: Use coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar as a buttermilk substitute for those avoiding dairy, ensuring the chicken remains tender and flavorful during marination.
  • Spicy Herb Variation: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the coating mixture for enhanced aromatic flavors, creating a more complex and sophisticated chicken experience.

FAQs

  • Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk contains enzymes that help tenderize the meat, making it softer and more flavorful. The acidic nature of buttermilk also helps break down proteins, resulting in juicier chicken.

  • Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk and a bit of vinegar or lemon juice, buttermilk provides a unique tangy flavor and better tenderizing properties that enhance the chicken’s texture.

  • How do cornflakes or cornmeal help create a crispy coating?

Cornflakes and cornmeal add extra crunch and texture to the chicken’s exterior. They create a golden, crispy layer that provides a satisfying crackle when you bite into the chicken.

  • What's the purpose of adding baking powder to the coating?

Baking powder helps create a lighter, crispier coating by causing the flour mixture to puff up slightly during baking. It also promotes browning and gives the chicken a more delicate, airy texture.

What Makes Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken Special

  • Buttermilk marinade and spice blend create layers of rich, tangy taste that elevate classic fried chicken.
  • Oven-baking reduces oil usage while maintaining crispy, golden exterior through strategic coating and butter spray.
  • Perfectly seasoned chicken appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
  • Simple ingredients and straightforward steps allow even novice cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen skills.
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Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy buttermilk oven fried chicken delivers Southern comfort with golden, herb-crusted perfection. Juicy meat and crunchy coating make this classic dish irresistible for home cooks craving restaurant-quality flavor without deep-frying hassle.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter or neutral oil

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100 grams) crushed cornflakes or cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk inside a sealed container or resealable bag, refrigerating for a minimum of 4 hours to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
  2. Heat oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack or parchment paper to ensure crispy chicken coating.
  3. Create a seasoned coating by thoroughly blending flour, crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and baking powder in a wide, shallow container.
  4. Whisk egg in a separate bowl to help breading adhere to chicken surfaces.
  5. Drain chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off completely. Dunk each piece into beaten egg, then generously coat with seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an even, thick layer.
  6. Arrange coated chicken pieces on prepared baking surface, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly brush or spray tops with melted butter to promote golden browning.
  7. Roast in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, rotating tray halfway through cooking. Chicken is ready when exterior turns deep golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain juices. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and herbal brightness.

Notes

  • Tenderize chicken by marinating in buttermilk overnight, which helps break down proteins and infuse flavor deep into the meat.
  • Create extra crunch by crushing cornflakes finely and mixing with flour for a super crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after cooling.
  • Prevent dry chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, ensuring juicy results without overcooking.
  • Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the same delicious coating texture.
  • Prep Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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