Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

Southern kitchens have long treasured this crispy buttermilk ranch oven fried chicken recipe that promises a delightful crunch.

Golden, perfectly seasoned pieces that rival any classic diner offering.

Marinating the meat in tangy buttermilk creates an incredibly tender interior beneath that irresistible exterior.

ranch seasoning adds a zesty punch that makes each bite memorable and exciting.

Home cooks can easily master this straightforward technique with just a few simple ingredients.

The secret lies in the well-balanced blend of spices and the buttermilk magical tenderizing properties.

Grab a skillet and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this mouthwatering dish.

Shopping List For Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: The star of the dish, providing a tender and flavorful base for the ranch-inspired coating.

• Buttermilk, Ranch Seasoning Mix: Work together to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with tangy, herbal flavors. Buttermilk helps break down proteins for a more tender result.

• Corn Muffin Mix, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Create a crispy, flavorful exterior with a perfect balance of texture and spice. Choose a high-quality corn muffin mix for best results.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures a non-stick surface and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Look for a spray with a high smoke point.

• Side Dishes (Mashed Potatoes, Coleslaw, Green Salad): Optional accompaniments that complement the crispy ranch chicken.

How To Fry Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

Grab a large plastic bag or mixing bowl. Pour in buttermilk and sprinkle ranch seasoning mix. Tuck chicken pieces into the tangy liquid, making sure every part gets coated. Seal tight and park in the refrigerator for a flavor explosion – minimum one hour, but overnight is even better for maximum tastiness.

Step 2: Preheat And Prep Baking Station

Fire up the oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top. Give the rack a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent chicken from sticking.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

• Corn muffin mix
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional for heat lovers)

Shake off excess marinade from chicken pieces. Roll each piece in the crumbly mixture, pressing gently to create a perfect crispy armor. Arrange coated chicken on the prepared wire rack.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Lightly mist chicken tops with cooking spray. Slide into the hot oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and ensure internal temperature hits 165F. If coating starts getting too dark, tent with foil to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest briefly. Plate up with your favorite sides like creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance!

Best Tips For Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in buttermilk ranch mixture overnight for deeper, more intense flavor infusion that tenderizes meat perfectly.
• Rack Revolution: Using a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around chicken, creating an evenly crispy exterior without soggy bottom spots.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control heat intensity, making the dish adaptable for mild or spicy preference lovers.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Press corn muffin mix gently onto chicken pieces to ensure a thick, crunchy layer that locks in moisture and creates delightful texture.
• Temperature Triumph: Always check internal chicken temperature reaches 165F to guarantee safe, juicy meat while maintaining golden-brown crispiness.

Storing And Heating Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350F, place chicken on a baking sheet, and cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring crispy coating remains intact.
• Microwave Option: Heat chicken in short 30-second intervals, rotating halfway through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness and maintain texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Pairings For Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Complement with Creamy Coleslaw: Pair the crispy buttermilk ranch chicken with a tangy, cool coleslaw that balances the rich, spicy coating. The creamy, crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the hot, golden chicken.
• Serve with Zesty Potato Wedges: Roast crispy potato wedges seasoned with similar ranch and paprika spices to echo the chicken's flavor profile. These herbed wedges create a delicious harmony that enhances the main dish's taste.
• Match with Cool Buttermilk Ranch Dip: Whip up a quick buttermilk ranch dipping sauce using the same ranch seasoning mix. This extra layer of tangy, herbal flavor intensifies the chicken's marinade notes and adds a creamy element to each bite.
• Pour Crisp White Wine or Beer: Choose a light, crisp sauvignon blanc or a cold pilsner to cut through the chicken's richness. The refreshing beverage helps cleanse the palate and complements the dish's bold, spicy coating.

Different Takes On Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Spicy Buttermilk Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the corn muffin mix for a fiery version that brings serious heat to your chicken. The spicy coating will give each bite a bold, zesty punch.
• Herb Garden Crunch: Mix fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the corn muffin coating for an herbaceous flavor profile. These fresh herbs will elevate the chicken's taste and create a fragrant, crispy exterior.
• Parmesan Cracker Coating: Replace part of the corn muffin mix with grated parmesan cheese and crushed crackers for an extra crispy, savory crust. The cheese will melt slightly during baking, creating a golden, irresistible texture.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Option: Swap corn muffin mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs and almond flour to make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. Add extra seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder to maintain robust flavor.

Helpful Info On Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

FAQs for Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat extra juicy and soft. It also helps the seasoning penetrate deeper into the meat, creating more flavor.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

No, buttermilk has a unique tangy flavor and acidity that regular milk lacks. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• What makes the coating crispy without deep frying?

The corn muffin mix provides a crunchy texture, and lightly spraying the chicken with cooking spray helps create a golden, crisp exterior. The wire rack allows hot air to circulate, ensuring the chicken gets crispy on all sides.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from the optional cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount of cayenne or skip it entirely if you prefer a non-spicy version. The ranch seasoning adds flavor without significant heat.

Top Reasons To Enjoy Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Infuse Incredible Flavor: Buttermilk and ranch seasoning create a mouthwatering marinade that deeply penetrates the chicken, delivering incredible taste in every single bite.
• Achieve Crispy Perfection: The corn muffin mix coating provides an irresistibly crunchy exterior that rivals traditional fried chicken, without the excess oil and mess of deep-frying.
• Effortless Weeknight Wonder: This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients, making it a perfect solution for busy families wanting a delicious home-cooked meal in under an hour.
• Customize with Ease: The spice blend allows for personal tweaking – add more cayenne for heat lovers or keep it mild for kids, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken delivers golden, herbed perfection with minimal mess and maximum flavor. Home cooks can savor this delightful dinner that brings comfort and crunch to the table without deep-frying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 3 to 4 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts), skin on or off

Coating Mix:

• 1 (8.5 ounces/240 grams) box corn muffin mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Marinade:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 (1 ounce/28 grams) envelope ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix

Cooking Preparation:

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Craft the buttermilk marinade by whisking ranch seasoning into the tangy liquid, completely enveloping chicken pieces. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
2. Heat the oven to a robust 425F. Create a strategic baking setup by lining a sheet with aluminum foil and positioning a wire rack on top. Mist the rack with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
3. Generate a crispy coating by blending corn muffin mix with salt, black pepper, paprika, and optional cayenne for a subtle kick. Extract chicken from its marinade, letting excess liquid cascade off. Meticulously coat each piece by pressing the dry mixture firmly onto the surface.
4. Delicately mist the chicken’s exterior with cooking spray to encourage a golden, crisp exterior. Slide the rack into the preheated oven, roasting for approximately 35-40 minutes. Monitor the chicken’s transformation, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F. If the coating darkens too rapidly, shield with foil to prevent burning.
5. Once cooked, extract the chicken and permit a brief resting period. Plate alongside complementary accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, zesty coleslaw, or a vibrant garden salad.

Notes

• Make sure to use buttermilk at room temperature for better marinade absorption and more tender chicken.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before coating to help the corn muffin mix adhere more effectively and create a crispier crust.
• Experiment with different spice combinations in the coating mix to customize the flavor profile according to your taste preferences.
• For a gluten-free version, replace corn muffin mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to maintain a similar crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg