Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven: The Ultimate Crispy Delight!
Get ready to indulge in a finger-lickin’ feast right from your kitchen! This Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven is all about that crispy, golden goodness we crave. With a secret blend of spices and a crunchy coating that rivals the original, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this comfort food classic. Just marinate your chicken in a zesty buttermilk substitute, coat it in seasoned breadcrumbs, and bake until perfection. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love this crispy goodness!
- This one’s a game-changer for your weeknight dinners.
- It’s healthier than takeout but just as delicious!
- Easy to make with ingredients you already have at home.
- Perfect for impressing family and friends without the fuss!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Chicken – The star of the dish; choose bone-in pieces for juiciness.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tenderness; a great marinade base.
- All-purpose flour – Creates the crispy coating; essential for that crunch.
- Cornstarch – Enhances crispiness; mix with flour for best results.
- Salt – Essential for flavor; don’t skip this step!
- Black pepper – Adds a bit of heat; adjust to your taste.
- Garlic powder – Infuses flavor; a must for that KFC taste.
- Onion powder – Complements the garlic; enhances the overall flavor.
- Paprika – Adds color and a subtle smokiness; use sweet or smoked.
- Herbs (like thyme or oregano) – Adds depth of flavor; fresh or dried works well.
- Cooking oil – Helps achieve that golden brown finish; use a high smoke point oil.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to create your very own Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven with these easy steps!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect chicken pieces, buttermilk, flour, and your favorite spices like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or overnight for extra tenderness.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for crispy chicken.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
In a bowl, mix flour with spices until well combined. This will give your chicken that signature flavor!
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through for that golden crunch.
Step 8: Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Step 9: Let It Rest
Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to lock in those juicy flavors.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your delicious Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven with your favorite sides!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
• Marinate your chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Use a mix of baking powder and cornstarch for an extra crispy coating.
• Preheat your oven thoroughly to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip the chicken halfway through baking for a golden brown finish on all sides.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in the juices.
How to Serve
Enjoy your Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven with these delightful serving suggestions:
- Pair with crispy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
- Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting meal.
- Complement with buttery corn on the cob for a sweet touch.
- Try a side of seasoned fries for that extra crunch.
- Offer a zesty dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch for added flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Include a light garden salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Wrap leftovers in a tortilla with lettuce and tomatoes for a tasty lunch wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy your Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven later without losing its deliciousness.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Let the chicken cool to room temperature.
- Wrap each piece in aluminum foil or freezer-safe wrap.
- Place wrapped chicken in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
- Reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- For extra crispiness, uncover for the last 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will give you a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.
How do I achieve extra crispy skin?
For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat your chicken dry before seasoning. You can also use a light coating of baking powder in your flour mixture to enhance the crispiness while baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet Greased for even cooking.
- 1 mixing bowl For mixing flour and spices.
- 1 Meat Thermometer To check chicken doneness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- Bone-in pieces Chicken The star of the dish; choose bone-in pieces for juiciness.
- 2 cups ml Buttermilk Adds moisture and tenderness; a great marinade base.
Coating
- 2 cups g All-purpose flour Creates the crispy coating; essential for that crunch.
- 1/2 cup g Cornstarch Enhances crispiness; mix with flour for best results.
- 1 tbsp g Salt Essential for flavor; don’t skip this step!
- 1 tsp g Black pepper Adds a bit of heat; adjust to your taste.
- 1 tsp g Garlic powder Infuses flavor; a must for that KFC taste.
- 1 tsp g Onion powder Complements the garlic; enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp g Paprika Adds color and a subtle smokiness; use sweet or smoked.
- 1 tsp g Herbs (like thyme or oregano) Adds depth of flavor; fresh or dried works well.
- 1/4 cup ml Cooking oil Helps achieve that golden brown finish; use a high smoke point oil.
Instructions
- Collect chicken pieces, buttermilk, flour, and your favorite spices like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or overnight for extra tenderness.
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for crispy chicken.
- In a bowl, mix flour with spices until well combined. This will give your chicken that signature flavor!
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through for that golden crunch.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to lock in those juicy flavors.
- Dig in and savor your delicious Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven with your favorite sides!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven! Just imagine the crispy, golden goodness waiting for you. It’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and dive into this delightful recipe. You’ll be savoring every bite and reminiscing about those cherished family meals in no time. Enjoy every crunchy, juicy moment!
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