Cat Cora's Crispy Baked Fried Chicken

Skip the grease but keep the crunch with Cat Cora's Crispy Baked Fried Chicken, a lighter twist on traditional fried chicken that's just as flavorful and satisfying. This oven-baked recipe starts with tender chicken drumsticks and thighs marinated in tangy buttermilk and a hint of hot sauce for maximum flavor and juiciness. Coated in a crispy blend of panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and savory spices, each piece is baked to golden perfection on a wire rack for even cooking and airflow. A spritz of non-stick cooking spray ensures that signature crunch without the oil, making it a healthier option for a family meal or weekend treat. Ready in under an hour, this crispy baked chicken pairs beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces or classic sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw. Indulge in all the flavor of fried chicken—minus the guilt! Perfect for fans of comforting, oven-baked meals packed with texture and spice.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Hot sauce
• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 0 Cooking spray (non-stick)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, covering them completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and place a wire rack on top for better airflow.

Step 3

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 4

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres well.

Step 5

Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 6

Lightly spray the chicken with non-stick cooking spray to help the coating crisp up in the oven.

Step 7

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 9

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1970.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3249.2

Total Fat 131.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 39.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 1169.7mg	0%
Sodium 7140.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 206.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.2g	0%
Total Sugars 28.3g
Protein 309.2g	0%

Vitamin D 253.8IU	0%
Calcium 761.2mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 3687.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.4%

Protein: 38.1%

Carbs: 25.5%