Oven Fried Chicken with Homemade Coleslaw: 7 Comforting Tips

Name: Oven Fried Chicken with Homemade Coleslaw: 7 Comforting Tips
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 2 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1 cup carrots, grated; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; Salt and pepper to taste

July 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food combo: oven fried chicken with homemade coleslaw! There’s something so satisfying about biting into that crispy, golden chicken, knowing it’s baked to perfection instead of fried. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on flavor. And the coleslaw? Wow! It’s the perfect crunchy, creamy contrast to the savory chicken. I remember my grandma making this dish for family gatherings, and the aroma would fill the whole house. It’s not just a meal; it’s a heartwarming memory wrapped in a delicious package. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful feast together!

oven fried chicken with homemade coleslaw - detail 1

Ingredients List

4 chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on works best for juicy meat and crispy skin.
1 cup buttermilk: This is key for marinating; it tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
1 cup breadcrumbs: Regular or panko—both will give you that satisfying crunch!
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a lovely depth of flavor; feel free to adjust to your taste.
1 teaspoon onion powder: A must for that extra savory kick.
1 teaspoon paprika: I love using smoked paprika for a little hint of smokiness!
Salt to taste: Don’t be shy—seasoning is everything!
Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked pepper brings a nice warmth.
2 cups green cabbage, shredded: For that crunchy base of your coleslaw.
1 cup carrots, grated: Adds sweetness and color to your slaw.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creamy goodness that binds the coleslaw together.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the mayo.
1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity—trust me on this!
Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust these to make your coleslaw just right.

How to Prepare Oven Fried Chicken with Homemade Coleslaw

Let’s get started on this delicious journey to crispy oven fried chicken paired with creamy homemade coleslaw! Trust me, once you get through these steps, you’ll be rewarded with a meal that’s not just tasty but also full of love.

Marinating the Chicken

First things first, we need to marinate our chicken. In a bowl, toss those gorgeous chicken thighs with 1 cup of buttermilk. Make sure every piece is coated well. The buttermilk is your secret weapon—it tenderizes the chicken and gives it a lovely flavor! Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but if you can manage overnight, even better! This lets those flavors really soak in. When you’re ready to cook, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.

Preparing the Breadcrumb Mixture

While your chicken is marinating, let’s whip up that breadcrumb mixture. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. This mixture is where your chicken will get its crispy coating, so make sure it’s evenly mixed. If you’re feeling adventurous, using panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crunch, which I highly recommend!

Baking the Chicken

Alright, time to bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Take each marinated chicken thigh and coat it in your breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer sticks to the chicken. Place the coated chicken on the baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each piece. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. A good tip? Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The skin should be beautifully crispy and the meat juicy—just how we like it!

Making the Homemade Coleslaw

Now, let’s whip up that refreshing coleslaw! In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded green cabbage and 1 cup of grated carrots. In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss everything together until it’s well combined. For the best flavor, let your coleslaw sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully. It’s the perfect crunchy sidekick to your oven fried chicken!

Tips for Success

Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your oven fried chicken with homemade coleslaw turns out absolutely perfect every time! It’s all about those little details that elevate the dish to the next level.

Marination Magic: If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute soak in buttermilk will still add some tenderness, but trust me, the longer, the better! Overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
Crunch Factor: For an extra crunchy texture, panko breadcrumbs are your best friend! They give such a delightful crispiness that you won’t want to skip.
Spice It Up: Feel free to customize the spice blend! Try adding cayenne pepper for a kick or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Coleslaw Add-Ins: Want to jazz up your coleslaw? Toss in some sliced green onions, diced apples for sweetness, or even some chopped nuts for crunch. It’s a great way to make it your own!
Resting Time: Let your coleslaw sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making it taste even better!
Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
Leftover Love: If you have any chicken or coleslaw left, store them separately in airtight containers. The chicken will stay crispy if you reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone at the table! Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional aspects of this delightful meal! Just a quick heads-up: the nutrition facts can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a general guideline rather than precise measurements. Here’s a breakdown for one serving (that’s one piece of chicken with a side of coleslaw):

Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

So, whether you’re enjoying this meal for a cozy night in or sharing it with family, you can feel good about what you’re eating! It’s a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I love the juiciness of chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts can work just as well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster—around 25-30 minutes should do it.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ve got yourself homemade buttermilk!

Is it possible to make the coleslaw ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, making the coleslaw a few hours in advance can really enhance the flavors. Just toss the cabbage and carrots together and mix in the dressing right before serving to keep it crunchy.

Can I bake the chicken in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can bake the chicken ahead of time! Just cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to get it nice and crispy again.

What’s the best way to store leftover coleslaw?
Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days for optimal freshness, but the flavor will still be pretty good for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: This oven fried chicken is super easy to make, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights!
Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying means you can enjoy that crispy chicken without the extra oil and guilt. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free!
Flavor Explosion: The marinade and spice blend infuse the chicken with mouthwatering flavors, while the homemade coleslaw adds a fresh, crunchy contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a backyard barbecue, this dish is sure to impress. It’s versatile enough to fit any meal setting!
Make Ahead Friendly: Both the chicken and coleslaw can be made in advance, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or gatherings. Just reheat and serve!
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good fried chicken dinner, and this recipe is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve enjoyed your oven fried chicken with homemade coleslaw, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers properly! I always say, the key to keeping food fresh is in the storage.

For the chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from building up, which can make the chicken soggy. Stored this way, it’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken! Just make sure to wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer.

As for the coleslaw, store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days, but if you added some extra veggies or toppings, just keep in mind that they might lose their crunch over time. If it starts to get watery, simply give it a good stir before serving again.

When it’s time to reheat the chicken, I highly recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. The microwave can be a bit tricky for reheating; if you must use it, do so at a lower power to help prevent the chicken from drying out.

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your delicious meal even after the first serving. Happy eating!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.