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How to Make Oven Fried Chicken Legs
1. Prepare the Chicken Legs
Start by preparing your chicken legs for seasoning.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if available (this will help air circulate around the chicken for even cooking).
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating stick better and result in a crispier finish.
2. Make the Seasoning Mixture
This seasoning blend is the key to deliciously crispy and flavorful chicken legs.
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Coat the Chicken Legs
Coating the chicken legs with flour and breadcrumbs ensures the crispy crunch you crave.
- Dip each chicken leg into the flour mixture, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip the floured chicken leg into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Place the coated chicken leg on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack.
4. Add the Oil or Butter
To get that golden, crispy texture, a little oil or butter is essential.
- Drizzle or brush each coated chicken leg with olive oil or melted butter. This will help the chicken get golden brown and crispy as it bakes.
5. Bake the Chicken Legs
Now it’s time to let the oven do the work.
- Bake the chicken legs for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken legs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is crispy and cooked through, it’s ready to serve!
- Remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Perfect Oven Fried Chicken Legs
- Use a Wire Rack: For the crispiest results, place the chicken legs on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, making it crispier.
- Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Patting the chicken legs dry ensures the coating will stick better and gives the chicken a crispier texture.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or spices to suit your taste. You can add cayenne pepper for a kick, or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Chicken legs may vary in size, so be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure they’re fully cooked.
- Make It a Meal: Serve these crispy chicken legs with mashed potatoes, rice, corn on the cob, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Why You Should Try Oven Fried Chicken Legs
Oven Fried Chicken Legs offer all the crispy, crunchy goodness of traditional fried chicken, but with far less oil and hassle. This easy-to-make recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken legs with a golden, crispy exterior that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a casual dinner, or simply craving comfort food, oven fried chicken legs are sure to satisfy.
With customizable seasonings and the option to add extra flavors, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation for delicious, crispy chicken every time. So grab your chicken legs and let the oven do the work—your taste buds will thank you!
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