Juicy Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken Recipe Worth Loving

Crispy, golden buttermilk ranch oven fried chicken delivers a mouth-watering twist on classic comfort food.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this delectable buttermilk ranch oven fried chicken technique that brings incredible flavor to every bite.

The magic happens when tangy buttermilk meets zesty ranch seasoning, creating a perfectly crisp exterior and tender interior.

Marinating the chicken ensures maximum flavor penetration and juiciness throughout the meat.

Each piece emerges from the oven with a stunning golden-brown crust that crackles with every bite.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch your dinner table come alive with excitement.

How To Cook Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk Magic

Immerse chicken in a zesty buttermilk bath mixed with ranch seasoning. Let the flavors mingle and dance in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This secret technique ensures juicy, flavor-packed meat that’ll make taste buds sing.

• Crispy Coating Preparation

Create a crunchy armor using corn muffin mix seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika. This blend transforms ordinary chicken into a golden, irresistible masterpiece that crackles with every bite.

• Oven Transformation

Heat your oven to a sizzling 425F. Arrange chicken on a wire rack, generously spraying with cooking oil to guarantee maximum crispiness. The rack allows hot air to circulate, creating an evenly cooked, super-crunchy exterior.

• Golden Perfection

Bake until the chicken turns a gorgeous amber color and reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Watch closely to prevent over-browning – you want a beautiful golden crust, not a burnt offering. A quick foil tent can help if it’s browning too quickly.

• Serving Celebration

Let the chicken rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute. Serve alongside fresh, vibrant sides that complement its rich, tangy flavor. Your kitchen will feel like a gourmet restaurant, and everyone will be asking for seconds.

Cooking Tips For Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Crispy Coating Secrets: Use fine cornmeal or crushed corn chips for extra crunch, adding surprising texture to your chicken's exterior.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance – start with a pinch for mild flavor or add more for a spicy kick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing ranch seasoning to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat for maximum flavor.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace corn muffin mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version, or use almond flour for low-carb alternative that keeps chicken equally crispy.
• Healthier Baking Hack: Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining moisture, perfect for those watching their fat intake without sacrificing taste.

Ways To Serve Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Cozy Comfort Plating: Nestle the crispy golden chicken on a rustic wooden board for a homey, inviting presentation that makes everyone feel welcome at the table.
• Dipping Delight Station: Set up small ramekins filled with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo to let guests customize their flavor adventure and enjoy extra saucy bites.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Serve alongside classic southern sides like creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, or fresh corn on the cob for a complete meal that celebrates down-home cooking traditions.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle some chopped fresh chives or parsley over the chicken to add a bright pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that elevates the entire dish.

How To Store Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Fridge Fresh Keeper: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain crispy texture and prevent soggy coating.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave heating can make the coating soft, so avoid that method.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare marinade and coat chicken up to 24 hours before baking. Keep covered in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion and convenience during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 425 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy richness with its natural acidic properties, perfect for creating a moist and flavorful meat.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Infuses the chicken with zesty herb flavors and provides a signature ranch taste throughout the marinating process.

• Corn Muffin Mix: Creates a crispy, golden exterior with a slightly sweet undertone that adds unique texture and depth to the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out moisture for a more robust taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, sharp kick and complexity to the coating's seasoning blend.
• Paprika: Contributes a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful reddish-brown color to the chicken's crust.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings optional heat and a spicy dimension for those who enjoy a little extra kick.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures a non-stick surface and helps achieve a crispy, evenly browned exterior without excess oil.
• Foil: Facilitates easy cleanup and helps manage cooking temperature during the baking process.
• Wire Rack: Allows air circulation around the chicken, promoting a crisp coating on all sides.

Tools You’ll Need For Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken

• Large Resealable Plastic Bag or Bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken with buttermilk and ranch seasoning.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a stable surface for cooking chicken in the oven.
• Wire Rack: Ensures crispy chicken by allowing air circulation and preventing soggy bottoms.
• Shallow Dish: Ideal for coating chicken pieces with corn muffin mix and seasonings.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes a crispy golden crust.
• Foil: Useful for lining baking sheet and tenting chicken if needed.
• Meat Thermometer: Confirms chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible buttermilk ranch oven fried chicken brings Southern comfort to dinner tables nationwide. Crispy herb-coated chicken delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort while satisfying hunger and culinary cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 to 4 lbs (1.36 to 1.81 kg) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts), skin on or off
• 2 cups (473 ml) buttermilk
• 1 (1 oz/28 g) envelope ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix
• 1 (8.5 oz/240 g) box corn muffin mix
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marination: Whisk ranch seasoning into buttermilk, fully coating chicken pieces. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavor infusion and tenderizing.
2. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and position a wire rack on top. Lightly coat rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Coating Creation: Combine corn muffin mix with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Drain chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Press dry mixture firmly onto each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Baking Process: Spritz chicken with cooking spray to promote golden crispiness. Roast in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, rotating midway if needed. Check internal temperature reaches 165F. If coating browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.
5. Serving: Remove chicken from oven and let rest briefly. Plate with preferred sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Marinate Mindfully: Ensure chicken is completely submerged in buttermilk ranch mixture for maximum flavor infusion, ideally overnight for deeper taste penetration.
• Coating Technique: Press dry mix firmly and evenly onto chicken, creating a consistent, crispy layer that adheres completely without clumping or falling off during cooking.
• Temperature Tracking: Use a meat thermometer to precisely check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking while guaranteeing food safety at 165F.
• Rack Placement Matters: Position wire rack in center of oven for uniform heat distribution, preventing soggy bottom and ensuring crisp, golden exterior on all chicken pieces.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 840 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg