If you’ve ever daydreamed about a bucket of golden, crispy, tender chicken without the mess (and the oil splatters) of deep frying, this Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the signature spices, that famously crunchy coating, and juicy meat you crave, but baked right in your own oven for an experience that’s both approachable and outrageously delicious. Whether you’re cooking up a nostalgic family dinner or just want to outshine your local takeout, this recipe delivers the “wow” factor every time—trust me, you won’t believe it’s homemade!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven comes from a lineup of easy-to-find ingredients, each one playing a key role in layering flavor, crunch, and irresistible color. Don’t skip any—the secret’s in the details!
- 8 bone-in chicken pieces: Drumsticks and thighs are best for maintaining juiciness and classic fried chicken flavor.
- 2 cups buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk ensures tenderness and gently tangy undertones.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional): Adds just the right kick; feel free to adjust or omit based on your spice preference.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The go-to base for creating that iconic crispy crust.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Works alongside flour to maximize crispiness without dryness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A touch for extra lightness and crunch in your coating.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Essential for rich color and that signature KFC-inspired depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers aromatic savoriness to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Balances the other seasonings with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy, herby notes help mimic classic Southern fried flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds subtle warmth and herbaceous aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together (don’t skimp here!).
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of bite and boldness.
- ½ teaspoon celery salt: Unique and classic—this ties the whole seasoning blend together.
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper: Lends a mellow spicy heat that’s distinctly Southern.
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard: For just the hint of tangy sharpness that makes this copycat extra special.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: A light drizzle or spritz is the secret to a beautifully crispy finish without deep frying.
How to Make Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The first step to juicy, flavorful chicken is giving it a nice, long soak in buttermilk and a dash of hot sauce. Place your chicken pieces in a big bowl or zip-top bag, pour in the buttermilk and hot sauce, then stir or gently massage to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better! This is where all that tenderness and subtle tang are born, so trust the process.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Setup
Preheat your oven to a blazing 425°F (220°C) for that initial burst of heat. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with foil (for easy cleanup) and set a wire rack on top. This allows hot air to circulate all around the chicken, crisping every nook and cranny. Lightly brush or spray the rack with oil or nonstick spray so nothing sticks and your crispy coating stays intact.
Step 3: Mix the Spiced Coating
In a big shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, celery salt, white pepper, and ground mustard. This aromatic blend is what sets Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven apart—take a second to appreciate that intoxicating spice mix!
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off so the coating clings perfectly. Roll and press each piece in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated (don’t be afraid to really pack it on). Arrange the chicken on your prepared rack, ready for its transformation.
Step 5: Oven-Bake to Crispy Perfection
Finish things off with a generous drizzle or mist of olive oil over each coated piece. Pop it all into the hot oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through and spritzing with additional oil if you want extra crunch. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is gloriously golden, irresistibly crispy, and registers at least 165°F (74°C) inside. Let your Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven rest for five minutes before serving, resisting the temptation to grab a bite right away!
How to Serve Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven
Garnishes
There’s something magical about a simple flourish: try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or a quick dusting of extra paprika for color. Lemon wedges add brightness and just a hint of acid that makes those savory flavors pop. A drizzle of honey is fantastic, too, especially if you love the sweet-salty combination!
Side Dishes
Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven deserves classic Southern sides—think creamy mashed potatoes with gravy, tangy coleslaw, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits to sop up every last crumb. Corn on the cob, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad (for balance!) also round out the meal beautifully. Choose your favorites and make it a true comfort-food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, pile the chicken high on a big platter lined with parchment—let everyone dive in picnic-style. Entertaining? Serve each piece atop mini waffles with a maple syrup drizzle, or create a slider bar with buns and a few classic sauces. Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven also makes for a fun tailgate treat—just wrap pieces in checkered deli paper for easy, mess-free munching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven keeps surprisingly well! Once fully cooled, store pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the coating as dry as possible by separating layers with parchment or paper towels.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to resealable bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as you can. Frozen pieces stay tasty for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, reheat the chicken on a baking rack in a 375°F (190°C) oven until hot and crisp—about 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can; the oven helps restore that satisfying crunch, making your Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven taste nearly as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs or breasts work well, just keep an eye on cooking time since smaller or thinner pieces may finish more quickly. You might lose a bit of juiciness but you’ll still get that fantastic KFC-style coating.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick version by mixing 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it mimics the tang and tenderness of true buttermilk.
How do I get the crispiest coating?
For extra crunch, make sure to spray or drizzle the chicken with oil before and during baking. Using a wire rack also ensures air can circulate all around each piece, crisping up even the bottom side!
Is Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate with the optional hot sauce—enough for great flavor, but safe for most palettes. Prefer more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or extra hot sauce in the marinade or coating.
Can I make Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven dairy-free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free buttermilk (try unsweetened plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar) for an equally delicious result. Everything else in the recipe remains the same, so it’s a great option for various dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: everything you need to create mouthwatering Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven right at home! If you crave that perfect balance of crunch, spice, and juiciness, this recipe is sure to win hearts at your table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—tie on your apron and treat yourself to the comfort and joy of homemade fried chicken, baked to crispy, golden perfection every time.
Print
Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade KFC Chicken in the oven with this easy recipe. Crispy, flavorful, and healthier than traditional fried chicken!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 8 bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs recommended)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- olive oil or cooking spray for drizzling
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce, add chicken, refrigerate.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven, line baking sheet with foil and rack, grease rack.
- Coat the Chicken: Mix flour and seasonings, dredge chicken, place on rack, drizzle with oil.
- Bake: Bake at 425°F for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest before serving.
Notes
- Using a wire rack helps crisp up the coating evenly.
- Spray with oil halfway for extra crunch.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
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