baked chicken 🍗

Ingredients:

• 4-6 chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or a combination)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Vegetable oil, for greasing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with vegetable oil.
2. In a shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk and place the chicken pieces in it. Let them soak in the buttermilk for about 30 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create the seasoned flour.
4. Take each piece of chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Place the coated chicken pieces in the greased baking dish.
5. Once all the chicken pieces are coated and in the baking dish, drizzle a little vegetable oil over the top of each piece. This will help the chicken brown and crisp up in the oven.
6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
8. Serve your delicious baked chicken as a main course alongside your favorite soul food sides such as collard greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.
9. Enjoy!