Oven-fried chicken legs are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. They still come out crispy and flavorful. Here’s a recipe to make oven-fried chicken legs:
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Cooking spray or a few tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, place the chicken legs and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure the chicken legs are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results). This will help tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet. This helps air circulate around the chicken legs and ensures even cooking.
- In a separate shallow dish or large plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. If you want to add extra flavor, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Remove each chicken leg from the buttermilk, letting any excess buttermilk drip off, and then coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Place the coated chicken legs on the wire rack on the baking sheet. Make sure there is some space between each leg to allow for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken legs with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of vegetable oil over them. This will help them become crispy and golden.
- Bake the chicken legs in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- If you want your chicken legs even crispier, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Once the chicken legs are cooked through and have a crispy, golden-brown exterior, remove them from the oven.
- Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your oven-fried chicken legs with your favorite side dishes.
These oven-fried chicken legs are a fantastic alternative to traditional fried chicken and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
