Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven (Print version)

Crispy oven-baked chicken with an 11-spice buttermilk coating that delivers KFC-style flavor at home. No fryer, no fuss, ready in under an hour.

# Ingredients:

For the buttermilk marinade

01 - 3 to 4 lbs (1.4 to 1.8 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
02 - 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

The 11-spice coating

05 - 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
06 - 2 teaspoons salt
07 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon white pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
15 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
17 - 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional but recommended)

For baking

18 - 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
19 - Cooking spray (for the wire rack)

# Instructions:

01 - Whisk buttermilk, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
02 - Combine flour, salt, black pepper, white pepper, both paprikas, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, and MSG (if using) in a wide shallow bowl. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
03 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray.
04 - Remove each piece from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Press firmly into the spice coating on all sides until covered with a thick, even layer. Arrange skin side up on the wire rack without crowding.
05 - Drizzle or brush the melted butter generously over the top of each coated piece. This drives the deep golden color during baking.
06 - Bake 45 to 55 minutes without flipping until the coating is deep golden brown and very crispy. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes before serving.

# Good to know:

01 - Plan to marinate at least 4 hours, or overnight for the most tender result.
02 - A wire rack over the baking sheet is essential for a crispy bottom crust.

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