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Baked KFC Chicken – Easy Copycat Recipe for Family Dinner

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Craving the flavor of your favorite fast-food fried chicken but want a healthier, easier option? This crispy baked chicken thighs recipe delivers all the KFC-style flavor you love—without the fryer. Juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, it’s the ultimate family dinner recipe for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or game day spreads. With just a few pantry spices, buttermilk, and the magic of your oven, you’ll have golden, crunchy chicken on the table in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks and thighs, skin-on and bone-in)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 4 tbsp melted butter (for baking)

Instructions

Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the buttermilk over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a large bowl, mix the flour with all the spices: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, thyme, and cayenne pepper.

Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge well in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.

Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the tops of the chicken pieces to help with browning.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C).

Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is key—don’t skip it.

  • For best results, bake on a wire rack to promote even crisping.

  • Add cayenne pepper if you like extra heat, or omit it for a kid-friendly version.

  • Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer—avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crunchy.

  • Want more crispy recipes? Explore other family-friendly baked chicken ideas for inspiration.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/baked-kfc-chicken-easy-copycat-recipe-for-family-dinner/