Great Southern Oven Fried Chicken

Indulge in the crispy, golden perfection of Great Southern Oven Fried Chicken, a lighter twist on the classic Southern favorite that delivers all the flavor without the deep frying. This recipe features succulent, bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces marinated in tangy buttermilk and optional hot sauce for a tender, flavor-packed bite. Coated in a seasoned blend of flour and cornmeal with hints of paprika, garlic, and cayenne, the chicken is baked to crispy perfection on a wire rack, ensuring an evenly browned crust while staying juicy on the inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this easy-to-make dish pairs beautifully with comforting sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw for a true Southern experience. Try this healthier oven-fried chicken recipe today for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or drumsticks)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 optional non-stick cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

Step 2

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 grease the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to adhere well.

Step 5

Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack. Lightly drizzle or brush each piece with olive oil or melted butter to help achieve a crispy crust.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.

Step 7

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Great Southern Oven Fried Chicken with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2211.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4781.6

Total Fat 240.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 1013.7mg	0%
Sodium 6819.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 375.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.6g	0%
Total Sugars 26.2g
Protein 272.5g	0%

Vitamin D 313.8IU	0%
Calcium 773.1mg	0%
Iron 29.9mg	0%
Potassium 3723.1mg	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: 45.5%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 31.6%