Tender, tangy, and cozy, this chicken bakes up juicy and golden, the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 45 min
Ingredients
2 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
1½ cups buttermilk
2 tbsp ranch-style seasoning mix (homemade or store-bought, no brand)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken dry so it roasts up golden, then place it in a baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the ranch-style seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, and salt until smooth.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and turn each piece to coat well, then let it sit 10 minutes while the oven finishes heating.
Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, then flip the pieces and bake 5 more minutes until browned and the chicken is cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes before serving so the juices stay inside, then spoon a little of the pan sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 420 | Protein: 34g | Carbs: 6g | Fat: 28g
Quick Facts
• one-pan oven dinner
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• meal-prep friendly
• crispy outside, juicy inside
Tips
- For the best browning, pat the chicken dry before it goes into the dish, moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
- If your pan sauce looks thin, spoon it into a small pot and simmer 3 minutes to thicken fast.
- Let the chicken rest before serving, it keeps every bite noticeably juicier.
Variations
For a spicy kick, add ½ teaspoon cayenne to the buttermilk mix and finish with a squeeze of lemon. It brightens the heat and keeps the flavor balanced. You could also explore something bolder like our Double Bean and Roasted Pepper Chili for another hearty, spiced-up dinner option.
For a crunchy baked coating, lift the chicken from the marinade, dredge lightly in seasoned flour, then bake on a rack set over a sheet pan so hot air circulates and the crust stays crisp. If crispy oven comfort is your vibe, try the Quick Alpine Potato and Cheese Bake which is all about golden edges and cozy textures.
For a lighter weeknight version, use boneless skinless thighs and bake 22 to 25 minutes, then broil 1 to 2 minutes for color without drying the meat. And if you’re looking to keep it light and soothing, the Creamy Sweet Potato Coconut Soup makes a great pairing. It’s warm, comforting, and full of mellow flavor.