Here’s a delicious Oven Fried Chicken Legs recipe that gives you crispy, juicy chicken without the deep frying!
Oven Fried Chicken Legs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken drumsticks (legs)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter, for brushing)
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using).
- Add the chicken legs to the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Spray the wire rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken legs from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off.
- Roll each chicken leg in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken legs on the prepared wire rack. Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter to help with crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Oven Fried Chicken Legs, perfect with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes!
