Oven-Baked Crispy Fried Chicken with Herbs
Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly golden this Oven-Baked Crispy Fried Chicken with Herbs delivers all the crunch you love without the deep frying! Coated in a seasoned herb crust and baked to juicy perfection, each bite is tender on the inside with a deliciously crisp exterior.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for kick)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the Herb Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary (crushed)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp parsley flakes
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (to help crispness)
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken : In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
- Step 2: Prepare the Herb Coating: In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil and mix until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated—this helps the chicken crisp up in the oven.
- Step 3: Coat the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Press chicken into the breadcrumb-herb mixture until fully coated.
- Step 4: Bake the Chicken: Place chicken on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. Chicken is done when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges or dipping sauces.