Oven Fried Chicken Legs
Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these Oven Fried Chicken Legs are a healthier twist on a comfort food classic. Perfectly marinated in tangy buttermilk with a hint of optional hot sauce, the drumsticks are coated in a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture, featuring the bold flavors of paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. Baked to perfection on a wire rack for that irresistible crunch, this recipe offers a guilt-free way to enjoy fried chicken without the mess of deep frying. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, these chicken legs are an easy weeknight dinner idea or a crowd-pleasing dish for any gathering. Serve them with your favorite sides or dipping sauces and savor every bite of this crispy oven-baked delight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- cooking oil spray
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken drumsticks and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet for even cooking.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the chicken drumsticks from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. Place the coated chicken on the prepared wire rack.
Spray the chicken generously with cooking oil spray to help achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or sides!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
528 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.1 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 133 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 1036 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.4 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 41.8 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 120 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 520 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
