Skip to main content

Buttermilk Oven "Fried" Chicken

4.2

(30)

Image may contain Food Fried Chicken Nuggets and Bread
Buttermilk Oven "Fried" ChickenGina Homolka

Fried chicken is one of my biggest weaknesses, so naturally I've been perfecting this lighter version for years. I've managed to achieve the same crispy golden texture you get from frying from my oven. Yep, it's skinnier, easier, quicker, and (bonus) there's no greasy mess to clean up. Soaking the chicken overnight (sometimes two nights) in a buttermilk bath is a must for meat that's moist and juicy. To easily remove the skin from the drumsticks, use one paper towel to grasp the joint end and a second one to pull off the skin.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

Chicken:

8 chicken drumsticks (about 3 1/2 ounces each), skinned
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Cooking spray or oil mister coating

Coating:

2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup crushed cornflake crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Preparation

  1. For the chicken:

    Step 1

    In a medium bowl, season the chicken with the salt, paprika, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour the buttermilk and lemon juice over the chicken and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours, preferably overnight.

    Step 2

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a rack on a baking sheet and lightly spray with oil.

  2. For the coating:

    Step 3

    In a shallow bowl, combine the panko, cornflake crumbs, Parmesan, salt, parsley, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder.

    Step 4

    Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, dredge each piece in the crumb mixture, and put the pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops of the chicken with oil.

    Step 5

    Bake until golden brown and cooked through, 40 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories 294 Fat 8.5 g Saturated fat 2.5 g Cholesterol 182 mg Carbohydrate 12 g Fiber 1 g Protein 41 g Sugars 2 g Sodium 709 mg
#### Nutritional analysis provided by Other
##### Per serving (2 drumsticks)
Reprinted from The Skinnytaste Cookbook, by Gina Homolka, with Heather K. Jones, R.D., Copyright © 2014, published by Clarkson Potter. As a busy mother of two, Gina Homolka started Skinnytaste.com when she wanted to lose a few pounds. In the her wildly anticipated debut cookbook, The Skinnytaste Cookbook: Light on Calories, Big on Flavor, Gina Homolka gives her fans exactly what they want: 150 easy, flavorful recipes that are miraculously low calorie and made from all-natural, easy-to-find ingredients. With 125 all-new dishes and 25 must-have favorites, it takes only one look to see why people go crazy for Gina's food.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Juicy steak, crisp lettuce, and a blender dressing come together for a breezy summer dinner.
This frozen cocktail uses instant espresso for a strong flavor and unbeatable convenience.