Name: Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or bone-in breasts); 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko); 1 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Olive oil or cooking spray (for crisping)

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Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven is a crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed alternative to the famous fried version—made right in my own kitchen without the mess of deep-frying. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and flour mix, this oven-baked chicken mimics the bold, herby crust of KFC with a tender, well-seasoned inside. It’s a family favorite that gives me all the satisfaction of takeout with the comfort of homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that iconic KFC-style flavor and crunch without needing a fryer. The chicken turns out golden, crispy, and full of seasoning, while baking keeps things a little lighter and much easier to clean up. It’s budget-friendly, oven-baked, and totally customizable with spices I already have at home. Whether I’m cooking drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, it always hits the spot. Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or bone-in breasts)
Buttermilk (for marinating)
All-purpose flour
Breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
Baking powder
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dried oregano
Dried thyme
Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Olive oil or cooking spray (for crisping in the oven)

Directions

I marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to tenderize and infuse flavor.
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet for even cooking and crispiness.
In a bowl, I mix the flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder, and all the herbs and spices.
I remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
I arrange the coated chicken on the wire rack and lightly spray or drizzle with oil to help it crisp up.
I bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, flipping halfway through for even browning. The chicken should be golden and reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes 10–15 minutes to prep (plus marinating time) and 40–45 minutes to bake, making the total active time under an hour.

Variations

I use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy coating.
For a gluten-free version, I swap the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
I turn it into spicy KFC-style chicken by increasing the cayenne and adding chili powder.
I bake it on a greased parchment-lined sheet if I don’t have a wire rack.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the chicken in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy again—usually about 10–15 minutes. I avoid microwaving to keep the coating from getting soggy. The chicken also freezes well before or after baking. Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, I’ve made it with boneless thighs or breasts—just reduce the baking time to avoid drying it out.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

I mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. It works just as well.

How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Using a wire rack helps air circulate for an even crisp. Spraying the chicken lightly with oil before baking also helps create that crunchy texture.

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Absolutely. I air fry the coated chicken at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. It turns out super crispy and cooks faster.

What can I serve with this chicken?

I like pairing it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or mac and cheese for a true homestyle meal.

Conclusion

Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven brings that crispy, crave-worthy flavor I love—without the fryer or the fast food trip. It’s a fun, flavorful recipe that’s easy to make, adaptable to taste, and perfect for any day I want comfort food with a homemade touch. Once I’ve tried it, it becomes a go-to for family dinners, weekend cravings, or even meal prep.