“Baked Fried Chicken: Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside”

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Coating:

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper. In another dish, pour the buttermilk.
Coat the Chicken:

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dip each piece into the buttermilk, then dredge it into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat the chicken evenly. Make sure each piece is fully covered with the breadcrumb or flour mixture.
Arrange on Baking Sheet:

Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle a little melted butter or olive oil on top of each piece.
Bake the Chicken:

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve:

Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthier Baked Fried Chicken alongside your favorite sides.
Serving and Storage Tips: