Cornmeal Crusted Oven Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden perfection meets healthier indulgence with this irresistible Cornmeal Crusted Oven Fried Chicken. Tender bone-in chicken is marinated in tangy buttermilk and a hint of hot sauce for maximum flavor and juiciness, then coated in a flavorful blend of yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and smoky spices like paprika and cayenne for the ultimate crunchy crust. Baked to perfection on a wire rack for even cooking, this oven-fried chicken delivers all the satisfying crunch of traditional fried chicken without the guilt. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this easy-to-make dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or honey-drizzled cornbread.
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Ingredients
- 4 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or legs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
Directions
Step 1
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor and tenderization.
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with cooking spray or brushing olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3
In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until evenly blended.
Step 4
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure even coating.
Step 5
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, leaving enough space between them for even cooking.
Step 6
Spray the chicken pieces lightly with olive oil or cooking spray to encourage browning and crispness while baking.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy, flipping the pieces halfway through for even cooking.
Step 8
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthier, crispy oven-fried chicken!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2645.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5466.3 |
| Total Fat 332.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 92.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g | |
| Cholesterol 1686.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4881.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 241.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.4g | |
| Protein 366.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 344.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 813.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 27.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 4593.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories