Crispy Herb Oven-Fried Chicken

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Craving that fried chicken crunch without the guilt? This Crispy Herb Oven-Fried Chicken is your answer! It's got all the flavor and texture of fried chicken but is baked to perfection in your oven.

Ingredients for Crispy Herb Oven-Fried Chicken

Chicken drumsticks are the star of this dish, providing juicy, flavorful meat that's perfect for oven baking. Buttermilk acts as a tenderizer, giving the chicken a moist and flavorful base. The combination of flour, panko breadcrumbs, and spices creates that irresistible crispy coating. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, while garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Smoked paprika brings a hint of smokiness, and a touch of cayenne pepper gives a gentle kick. Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, and olive oil helps achieve that golden, crispy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in buttermilk overnight in the fridge.
  • Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for a crispier underside.
  • If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
  • To check doneness, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

Pair this crispy chicken with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a hearty meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or corn on the cob. A squeeze of lemon can add a nice zing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer.
What if I don't have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Crispy Herb Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, submerge the chicken drumsticks in buttermilk, allowing them to marinate for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderness.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare two shallow dishes. In the first, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. In the second dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and chopped parsley.

Once the chicken has marinated, lift each drumstick from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Place the coated drumsticks on your prepared baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. This helps achieve that crispy texture we're after. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. When they're golden brown and crisp, they're done.

Let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist and tender.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Enjoy the crispy texture without deep frying.
  • Infused with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
  • Quick prep and cleanup make it perfect for weeknights.
  • Kid-friendly and sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

4 chicken drumsticks
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, marinate the chicken drumsticks in buttermilk and let sit for 30 minutes.
3. In another shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. In a separate shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with chopped fresh parsley.
5. Remove each drumstick from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in the flour mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway for even cooking, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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