Kentucky Baked Chicken

Get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of Kentucky Baked Chicken, a healthier twist on a Southern classic that doesn’t compromise on taste or crunch! This recipe takes juicy chicken drumsticks and thighs, marinates them in a flavorful buttermilk marinade infused with garlic, onion, and paprika, and wraps them in a perfectly seasoned flour coating enhanced with cornstarch for that signature crispy texture. Instead of deep-frying, the chicken is oven-baked to golden perfection, using a clever combination of melted butter and cooking spray to achieve a crave-worthy crunch while keeping the dish lighter. Perfect for a family dinner or game-day feast, this Kentucky Baked Chicken promises bold flavors and crispy satisfaction without the guilt. Bake up this crowd-pleaser in just 40 minutes and serve it with your favorite sides for a comfort food experience that’s simply unbeatable!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

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 teaspoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 as needed Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk together.

Step 2

Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, then place an oven-safe wire rack on top of the sheet.

Step 4

In another large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, remaining salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, coating it thoroughly. Press the coating onto the chicken for a crispy texture.

Step 6

Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack without crowding the pieces. Spray each piece lightly with cooking spray to ensure even browning.

Step 7

Melt the butter and drizzle it lightly over the chicken pieces for added crispness and flavor.

Step 8

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, oven-baked Kentucky chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1962.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3414.4

Total Fat 152.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 1235.5mg	0%
Sodium 6685.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 205.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.8g	0%
Total Sugars 24.9g
Protein 303.3g	0%

Vitamin D 258.2IU	0%
Calcium 787.4mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 3752.5mg	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: 40.3%

Protein: 35.6%

Carbs: 24.1%