Craving that crispy, flavorful fried chicken without all the oil? This oven-baked version inspired by Slimming Eats KFC Style Feast gives you the same iconic taste thanks to a blend of herbs and spices while keeping it lighter and healthier. The secret lies in marination, seasoned breadcrumbs, and baking instead of frying.
🛒 Ingredients
- 8 chicken pieces (drumsticks or bone-in thighs, skin removed)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 8 slices whole wheat bread (for breadcrumbs)
- Cooking spray / oil spray
🌿 Spice Mix
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp celery seed
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 3 tsp paprika
👉 This blend mimics the famous seasoning style of KFC, known for its iconic herb-spice flavor.
Also Read: Mini Chicken Meatballs With Orecchiette
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Method
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken in a bowl or zip bag, pour buttermilk over it, and coat well. Cover and refrigerate overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.
2. Prepare Breadcrumb Coating
Lightly toast bread slices, let them cool, then blend into fine breadcrumbs. This step helps create a crispier coating when baked.
3. Mix the Seasoning
Combine breadcrumbs with all herbs and spices in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute flavor.
4. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spray lightly with oil.
5. Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken piece in beaten egg
- Roll in seasoned breadcrumbs
- Press coating firmly so it sticks well
6. Arrange & Spray
Place coated chicken on tray and lightly spray the top with oil for a golden finish.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Turn once if needed for even crispiness.
8. Serve Hot
Serve with fries, salad, or coleslaw for a complete fakeaway meal.
Also Read: Green Goddess Grilled Chicken
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~335 kcal
- Protein: ~49.8 g
- Fat: ~9.3 g
- Carbohydrates: ~17.6 g
This baked version is significantly lower in fat compared to traditional fried chicken while still delivering high protein.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use bone-in chicken for juicier results
- Overnight marination enhances flavor deeply
- Press coating firmly to prevent it from falling off
- Spray oil lightly, this mimics frying crispiness without excess fat
