Begin the flavor alchemy by preheating your oven to a sizzling 200°C. Craft a luscious blend using buttermilk, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper. Immerse your chicken thighs in this delectable concoction, ensuring each piece luxuriates in a thorough marinade. Let the magic unfold during a 30-minute soak, infusing the chicken with a symphony of rich and savory goodness.

In a separate bowl, assemble the breadcrumb brigade. Toss together 2 cups of breadcrumbs, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, a tablespoon of paprika passion, a teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder allure, and a pinch of dried thyme's aromatic embrace. Season this mixture with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, creating a compelling Southern spice blend.

Bring back your marinated chicken warriors, letting any excess buttermilk gracefully drip off. Introduce them to the breadcrumb battlefield, ensuring each thigh gets a generous coating of the flavorful mixture.

With artistry and precision, place your coated chicken heroes onto a baking sheet – their sacred stage for the next chapter of this culinary saga. To give them that extra glow-up, lightly shower the top of each thigh with a coat of cooking spray.

Witness the golden rendezvous in the preheated oven as the ensemble bakes for 30 minutes or until the chicken dons the coveted golden-brown armor and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

As the timer concludes its melodic journey, retrieve your creation from the oven – a chorus of crispy and golden Southern-fried perfection awaits. Serve hot and immerse yourself in the aromatic embrace of this oven-baked ode to Southern comfort.