oven fried chicken legs

Introduction:

 

Indulge in the irresistible goodness of our Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Legs. This recipe delivers the perfect blend of juicy, tender chicken with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. Skip the deep frying and embrace a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a family-favorite dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

 

Ingredients:

 

4 chicken legs

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

 

Instructions:

 

Marinating the Chicken:

 

In a bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

Place the chicken legs in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Making sure that each piece of chicken is covered, pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate the dish for at least two hours, better overnight, and then seal the bag or cover it. This step enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.

Preparing the Breadcrumb Mixture:

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This breadcrumb mixture will give the chicken its delightful crispy coating.

Coating the Chicken:

 

Remove the marinated chicken legs from the refrigerator and let any excess buttermilk drip off.

One by one, coat each chicken leg with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to the chicken. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, put the coated chicken legs.

Baking Process:

 

Lightly spray the coated chicken legs with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help achieve a golden, crispy finish.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken legs are cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Halfway through the baking time, you can rotate the chicken legs for even browning.

Serving:

 

Once the chicken legs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to retain their juiciness.

Serve the Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Legs with your favorite dipping sauces, coleslaw, or a side of roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.

 

Conclusion:

 

Enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors and textures in our Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Legs recipe. With a tender interior and a perfectly crunchy exterior, this dish offers a healthier twist on traditional fried chicken. Follow these simple steps to create a memorable meal that’s sure to become a family staple.