Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, cover, and let it sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight.
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you like a bit of heat), salt, and black pepper.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack and grease it lightly.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any extra buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture and place them on the rack.
Bake: Lightly spray or drizzle the tops of the chicken with oil. Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Broil for 2-3 minutes for that extra crispy touch.
Serve: Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.