Crunchy Baked Spiced Chicken

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Crunchy Baked Spiced Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken drumsticks or thighs are marinated in tangy buttermilk seasoned with a hint of cayenne and paprika, then coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture featuring panko for extra crispiness and a touch of Parmesan for added flavor. Unlike traditional fried chicken, this healthier baked version achieves a golden, crunchy exterior with just a drizzle of olive oil, making it both flavorful and guilt-free. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and bold spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, this easy baked chicken recipe is the go-to for a crowd-pleasing dinner. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a meal that's bursting with texture and flavor. Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
• 2 cups Plain breadcrumbs
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 Non-stick cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Add 1 teaspoon of paprika, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buttermilk. Stir to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large, shallow bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, remaining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, remaining salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to coat evenly.

Step 5

Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet. Drizzle or lightly brush each piece with olive oil to help the coating crisp up in the oven.

Step 6

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2071.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3974.4

Total Fat 182.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.6g
Cholesterol 1209.7mg	0%
Sodium 7686.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 246.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 44.9g
Protein 339.4g	0%

Vitamin D 253.8IU	0%
Calcium 1619.4mg	0%
Iron 26.5mg	0%
Potassium 4040.7mg	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: 41.2%

Protein: 34.1%

Carbs: 24.8%