Why You’ll Love this Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken Recipe
Have you ever craved crispy fried chicken but wanted a healthier option? I know I have! That’s why I adore this Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken recipe.
It gives me the satisfying crunch I love, without the guilt of deep frying. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with incredible flavor.
Plus, using cornflake crumbs adds that perfect crunchiness, making it feel indulgent. I appreciate how easy it’s to prepare, allowing me to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for satisfying that chicken craving!
Ingredients of Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken
When it comes to making a delicious dish like Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken, having the right ingredients is key. Fortunately, you probably have most of these items already in your pantry or fridge. The combination of tangy buttermilk, spices, and crispy cornflake crumbs creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the idea of crispy chicken without the deep frying? So, gather your ingredients and get ready to immerse yourself in a cooking adventure that’ll leave your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic clove
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 skinless chicken thighs
- 4 skinless chicken legs
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 1/4 cups corn flake crumbs
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Now, there are a few things to reflect upon when gathering these ingredients. For starters, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
It’s a handy little trick that saved me more than once when I was in a pinch. And if you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to adjust the hot sauce and cayenne pepper to your liking, or even skip them altogether.
This recipe is versatile, so you can mix and match according to your taste. Just remember, the goal is that crispy, flavorful chicken that everyone will love, so have fun with it!
How to Make Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into making that scrumptious Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken.
First things first, you’ll want to whip up the marinade that’s going to give your chicken its delicious flavor. Start with 2 cups of buttermilk in a large bowl. Add in 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of hot sauce, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
Now here’s the fun part—rinse your chicken (that’s 4 skinless thighs, 4 legs, and 4 boneless skinless breast halves) and pat it dry. Then, toss that chicken into a large ziplock bag with your buttermilk mixture. Seal it up and let it marinate for at least 12 hours. I know, it feels like a long wait, but trust me, the flavor is worth it.
Once the marinating magic has taken place, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In the meantime, grab a metal cooking rack and place it inside a metal baking pan. This is where the crispy goodness happens.
Now, take 1 1/4 cups of corn flake crumbs and pour them into a shallow dish. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper in there to season. When your chicken is ready to come out of the marinade, let the excess drip off and then roll each piece in the cornflake crumbs, making sure they’re nicely coated. You want those crumbs to stick, so don’t be shy about pressing them in.
Arrange the coated chicken on the rack in your baking pan, drizzle 4 tablespoons of melted butter over the top, and pop it into the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, or until your chicken is golden and crispy. The aroma will be incredible, and you might find it hard to resist sneaking a piece before it even hits the table. But hey, no judgment here. Enjoy the crispy perfection!
Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basic recipe for Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken, you might want to experiment with some substitutions and variations to keep things exciting.
Try swapping the buttermilk for yogurt for a tangy twist or using different hot sauces for varying heat levels. If you’re out of corn flake crumbs, crushed panko or even crushed potato chips work beautifully.
For a unique flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the crumb mixture. You can also mix in cheese for a cheesy crust.
Don’t be afraid to get creative; these variations can elevate your chicken to a whole new level!
What to Serve with Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken
Pairing sides with Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken can elevate your meal to new heights.
I love serving it with creamy coleslaw; the crunch complements the tender chicken perfectly. A side of garlic mashed potatoes adds a comforting touch, while roasted seasonal vegetables bring color and nutrition.
For a lighter option, a fresh garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
Don’t forget some fluffy biscuits to soak up any extra buttermilk goodness!
Each of these sides enhances the overall experience, making your dinner not just a meal, but a delightful feast that everyone will enjoy.
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken, there are a few tips that can enhance your cooking experience.
First, let the chicken marinate overnight for the best flavor and tenderness. If you want extra crunch, consider double-coating the chicken by dipping it back in the buttermilk before the cornflake crumbs.
Don’t skip the metal rack; it helps the heat circulate for even cooking. For a spicy kick, adjust the cayenne to your liking.
Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; it’ll help keep it juicy. Enjoy your delicious meal!