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! 🍗