Cheesy Oven Fried Chicken

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Cheesy Oven Fried Chicken recipe! Perfectly seasoned chicken drumsticks or thighs are coated in a flavorful blend of garlic-infused flour, a tangy buttermilk batter, and a crispy, cheesy crust featuring Parmesan and cheddar cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this healthier twist on fried chicken delivers all the crunch and flavor without the deep fryer, thanks to panko breadcrumbs and a quick spritz of cooking spray. Ready in just about an hour, this family-friendly meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and eggs. Whisk well to create a smooth mixture.

Step 3

In a separate shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, coating evenly, then shake off any excess.

Step 6

Next, dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk and egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Let any excess drip off.

Step 7

Finally, press the chicken into the cheesy breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every side is well-coated with the cheese and crumbs.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Oven Fried Chicken with your favorite sides!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1969.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3988.6

Total Fat 195.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 1714.8mg	0%
Sodium 6338.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 20.4g
Protein 374.5g	0%

Vitamin D 232.9IU	0%
Calcium 2235.2mg	0%
Iron 24.2mg	0%
Potassium 3485.6mg	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: 43.7%

Protein: 37.3%

Carbs: 19.0%