Oh My Gawd Absolute Best Oven Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden, and bursting with bold flavor, "Oh My Gawd Absolute Best Oven Fried Chicken" is a game-changer for comfort food lovers seeking all the crunch of traditional fried chicken but with a healthier twist. This recipe starts with juicy chicken thighs or drumsticks marinated in tangy buttermilk and optional hot sauce, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor infusion. A perfectly balanced coating of seasoned flour, Parmesan-infused panko breadcrumbs, and warming spices like paprika and cayenne delivers an irresistibly crispy crust. Baked to perfection at 400°F with a light brushing of olive oil or butter, this chicken achieves fried-level crispiness straight from the oven. Ready in just over an hour, this dish is ideal for satisfying cravings while keeping things simple and lighter. Pair it with your favorite sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes for a comforting and unforgettable meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Hot sauce (optional)
• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil or melted butter

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Submerge the chicken pieces into the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet for extra crispness.

Step 3

In a large shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 4

In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5

Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour to coat it thoroughly.

Step 6

Dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.

Step 7

Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Lightly brush each piece with olive oil or melted butter to help it crisp up during baking.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your 'Oh My Gawd Absolute Best Oven Fried Chicken' with your favorite sides!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2145.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4243.7

Total Fat 218.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 1264.9mg	0%
Sodium 7773.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 215.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.6g	0%
Total Sugars 28.6g
Protein 355.2g	0%

Vitamin D 253.8IU	0%
Calcium 2086.4mg	0%
Iron 24.2mg	0%
Potassium 3931.3mg	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: 46.3%

Protein: 33.4%

Carbs: 20.3%