Oven Fried Chicken (KFC Copycat)
Ingredients
- 4-5 lbs chicken)
(See Note 1
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp butter
melted
- 2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp celery salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
Directions
- 1
Place the chicken parts with the skin on in a plastic bag and pour the buttermilk in to coat. Squeeze the air out of the bag and seal. Massage the chicken and buttermilk with your hands to coat evenly and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes minimum up to several hours.
- 2
Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a medium sized bowl using a whisk, mix together the flour, Panko, baking powder and 11 herbs and spices. Set aside.
- 3
Place a 13x9” baking dish in the oven to get hot for at least 15 minutes (See Note 2). While pan is heating up remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off excess, and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture (See Note 3), coating on all sides with one hand.
- 4
Drizzle the melted butter in the heated baking dish and arrange the chicken pieces skin side down on top of butter (with plenty of room on each side so they “fry” not "steam").
- 5
Bake for 12 minutes, uncovered. Carefully turn the chicken pieces over and bake another 12 minutes or until internal temperature reads 165°F depending on the size of your chicken. (See Note 4) Remove from oven and allow to rest 5 minutes and then serve.
Oven Fried Chicken (KFC Copycat)
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About this Recipe
Craving that classic crispy fried chicken taste without the messy deep fryer? This Oven Fried Chicken (KFC Copycat) recipe delivers all the irresistible crunch and moist, tender results you desire, right from your oven. You'll love how it brings the familiar comfort of your favorite fast-food fried chicken home, without the fuss.
Why This Oven Fried Chicken Works
The magic in this recipe lies in achieving that iconic "fried" texture through baking, completely avoiding splattering oil and cumbersome cleanup. It masterfully combines a unique, flavorful blend of white pepper, celery salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and other spices with Panko breadcrumbs for a truly irresistible coating. This clever technique ensures a beautifully crispy exterior while keeping the chicken perfectly juicy and tender inside, setting it apart from traditional deep-fried versions.
What to Expect
Prepare your taste buds for chicken that boasts an incredibly satisfying, golden-brown crust, delivering a delightful crunch with every bite. Beneath that crispy shell, you'll find exceptionally moist and tender chicken, seasoned with a complex and aromatic blend of spices that evoke a beloved, comforting flavor profile. This dish offers a fulfilling and flavorful experience, mimicking traditional fried chicken with the ease and health benefits of baking.
Customization & Variations
While the recipe calls for 4-5 lbs of chicken, you have the flexibility to use your favorite cuts—whether it's a mix of bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks, or even breast pieces. For a milder flavor, you can slightly reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. If you're looking to enhance the aromatic notes, you might find that tweaking the dried mustard or ground ginger to your preference works wonderfully.
Serving & Context
This oven fried chicken is perfect for a relaxed family dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or even as the star of your next picnic basket. It pairs beautifully with classic comfort food sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a vibrant green salad, making for a complete and satisfying meal.