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Oven Fried Chicken Legs

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Coating

  • In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

  • Dip each chicken leg into the egg wash, ensuring it is coated evenly.
  • Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
  • Place the coated chicken legs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken and makes it crispy all over.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

  • Drizzle or brush the chicken legs with vegetable oil or melted butter. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. You can flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.

Step 6: Serve

  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple salad.

Tips for Success

  • Crispy Coating: Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the flour mixture and that it rests on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
  • Oven Temperature: Bake at a high temperature to get that golden crispy texture without frying.
  • Oil: Be sure to drizzle the chicken with oil to get the best texture. For extra flavor, you can use melted butter instead.

Variations

  • Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a bit of hot sauce to the egg wash for extra heat.
  • Herbed Coating: Experiment with adding other dried herbs, like rosemary or basil, for a different flavor.
  • Parmesan Crust: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a cheesy, crispy coating.

Why You’ll Love Oven Fried Chicken Legs

  • Crispy Without the Frying: Get that fried chicken crunch without the mess of deep frying.
  • Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples, making it easy to prepare any time.
  • Family-Friendly: A perfect meal for feeding the family, with delicious flavors everyone will love.

Enjoy your oven fried chicken legs! 🍗

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