OvenBaked Crispy Chicken Legs Fried Perfection

Recipe Introduction

Ever crave that crispy fried chicken experience but want to skip the deep fryer? Me too! Honestly, sometimes all that oil just feels a bit much, you know? That is where oven baked fried chicken legs come to the rescue.

Crispy Comfort, Minus the Guilt

This recipe gives you that satisfying crunch we all love. It delivers that juicy, flavorful inside. All without the mess and extra calories of traditional frying.

Trust me, you won't miss the deep fryer one bit!

Southern Roots, Healthier Twist

Oven baked fried chicken legs has its roots firmly planted in Southern comfort food. It takes it to a new, lighter level.

We are talking about simple ingredients, easy prep, and a whole lot of flavor.

This easy oven fried chicken recipe is ready in about an hour and a half, including marinating time. It yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Think of it as a lighter take on a Sunday roast, with a Southern twist.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What makes this healthier fried chicken recipe so special? It starts with a buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the chicken. It ends with a flavorful breading that gets unbelievably crispy baked chicken without frying .

Plus, it's packed with protein and way lower in fat than the deep-fried version.

This is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. You can even impress your mates without spending all day in the kitchen.

Are you ready to get started? Let's get to the ingredients!

OvenBaked Crispy Chicken Legs Fried Perfection Recipe Card

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken legs (drumsticks), about 2-3 lbs (900g-1.3kg)
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon salt (US customary) / 5ml (metric)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (US customary) / 2.5ml (metric)
• 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50g) cornstarch (cornflour for our UK friends!)
• 2 teaspoons paprika (US customary) / 10ml (metric)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (US customary) / 5ml (metric)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (US customary) / 5ml (metric)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (US customary) / 2.5ml (metric)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (US customary) / 2.5ml (metric)
• 1 teaspoon salt (US customary) / 5ml (metric)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (US customary) / 2.5ml (metric)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil, like canola)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken legs and ensure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (longer is better!).
• In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Remove chicken legs from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each leg in the breading mixture, pressing to ensure it adheres well. Place the breaded chicken legs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle or brush the chicken legs generously with vegetable oil.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:600

Fat:35g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Crispy Oven Baked Fried Chicken Legs

Right, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these amazing crispy oven baked chicken legs . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

Think about it: "Sunday roast meets Southern comfort food". Mmm, tasty!

Main Ingredients: The Magic Makers

Okay, for 8 chicken legs (about 2-3 lbs or 900g-1.3kg ), we'll start there. Good quality chicken is key! Look for plump legs that aren't too pale.

Next, you'll need 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk. Don't skip this! It's what makes them so tender and juicy. Add 1 tablespoon hot sauce , 1 teaspoon salt , and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the mix.

The UK might use 5ml for the teaspoon and 2.5ml for the half teaspoon.

For that crispy coating, grab 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour and ½ cup (50g) cornstarch (or cornflour if you're in the UK).

Now for the good stuff: 2 teaspoons paprika , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , 1 teaspoon onion powder , ½ teaspoon dried thyme , ½ teaspoon dried oregano , 1 teaspoon salt , and ½ teaspoon black pepper .

Boom!

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power

Paprika is your friend! Don't skimp on it. It gives that gorgeous colour and a touch of smokiness. If you fancy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading.

Yum!

No thyme? No problem. Use rosemary. Oregano can be swapped for marjoram. It's all good. And if you are feeling adventurous, add some italian herbs too, as you wish!.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets. Just a large bowl for the marinade, a shallow dish for the breading, a wire rack , and a baking sheet . Easy peasy.

Don't have a wire rack? No stress. Just use the baking sheet. But honestly, the rack helps the crispy oven baked chicken get super crispy baked chicken without frying .

It allows air to circulate all around.

You can use a freezer bag as a substitute of the large bowl, easy to clean and easy to toss.

I made this recipe last week after I asked myself: How to cook chicken legs in oven? The answer to it is here, with this recipe of Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Legs , it is one of my favorite Oven Chicken Legs Recipes .

I have some Crispy Baked Chicken Without Frying for you to enjoy. Here is a easy Oven Fried Chicken for you and your loved ones.

So, there you have it. The ingredients and equipment you'll need for epic oven baked fried chicken legs . Ready to get cooking?

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Craving Fried Chicken? This Oven Baked Fried Chicken Legs Recipe is Your Answer!

Honestly, who doesn't love fried chicken? But, the mess? The guilt? Ugh . This oven baked fried chicken legs recipe gives you all the crispy oven baked chicken goodness without the fuss.

It's healthier, easier, and tastes amazing. Think Southern comfort food but without all the guilt.

Prep Steps for Perfect Chicken

Okay, mise en place , people! First, get your chicken legs ready. That's about 8 of them. We're aiming for about 2-3lbs total.

Next, get your buttermilk (1 cup), hot sauce (1 tablespoon), salt (1 teaspoon), and pepper (1/2 teaspoon) ready. Whisk those together, add the chicken, and chill out for at least 30 minutes.

The longer, the better!

Next, for the breading, whisk the flour (1 ½ cups), cornstarch (½ cup), paprika (2 teaspoons), garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt (1 teaspoon), and pepper (½ teaspoon) in a separate dish.

Get your baking sheet ready too! I use a wire rack over the sheet, it makes all the difference. Oh! And don't forget the oil.

You'll need about ½ cup of your favorite vegetable oil. This is how you achieve that crispy baked chicken without frying .

Step-by-Step for Crispy Perfection

1. Marinate those chicken legs in the buttermilk mixture. At least 30 minutes, longer is better.
2. Prepare your breading mixture. Whisk it well!
3. Dredge each chicken leg in the breading. Press it on!
4. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Drizzle chicken with oil. Seriously, don't skimp!
5. Bake for 40- 45 minutes . Flip halfway. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) internal temperature.
6. Let it rest! 5- 10 minutes.

Pro Tips for Unbeatable Chicken

Want to be a chicken leg boss? Don't overcrowd the baking sheet! Give those legs some space. Use a wire rack over the baking sheet.

It's a game-changer for Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Legs . A common mistake? Not using enough oil. Seriously, drizzle generously. You can even brush it on! Make ahead? You can bread the chicken ahead of time.

Store in the fridge. This is great way how to cook chicken legs in oven using less time during the busy week days!

This healthier fried chicken recipe is going to change your life. Try the buttermilk chicken legs baked tonight! I'm betting that you'll agree that these oven chicken legs recipes are just the ticket!

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Oven Baked Fried Chicken Legs

Right, so you're about to make the best oven baked fried chicken legs ever! I've been there, done that and got the slightly greasy t-shirt.

Here are a few extra tips to guarantee success. Honestly, this healthier fried chicken recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof.

Plus, no massive oil splatter to clean up afterwards! Bonus. Let’s talk Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Legs

Plating like a Pro and other Serving Suggestions

Presentation, darling, is everything! For a classic look, pile those crispy baking chicken legs high on a platter. A little garnish of fresh parsley or thyme will make them look fancy, even if you're just scoffing them on the sofa!

Complementary sides? I am partial to a simple coleslaw and some buttery corn on the cob. For the perfect beverage, Ice-cold beer or sweet iced tea is classic.

Or you know, maybe treat yourself to a cheeky glass of wine.

Cracking Storage Tips

Right, let's say somehow you haven't managed to polish off all those delicious crispy baked chicken without frying. Unlikely, but hypothetically...

For refrigeration, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for 3-4 days .

Can you freeze them? Sure! Wrap them individually in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag. They'll last for up to 2 months .

To reheat, I will put back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. This will get that crispy oven baked chicken nice and crispy again.

Nifty Recipe Variations

Fancy a little twist? For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in the breading. Boom!

Or, if you’re feeling a bit spicy, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the breading mix. Trust me, it's a game-changer!.

Also, instead of Buttermilk Chicken Legs Baked, try it with coconut milk, works a treat.

Nutritional Know-How

Okay, let's get real. These oven chicken legs recipes are healthier than proper fried chicken, no doubt. They're packed with protein (around 45-55g per serving), which is great for building muscle.

There will be around 550-650 calories per serving.

Remember these numbers are estimates, and depend on the exact ingredients you use.

Honestly, easy oven fried chicken is such a winner! You get all the flavour without the guilt. Give it a go! You know you want to.

I promise that the oven baked fried chicken legs are going to be amazing, also consider that you can make Baked Chicken Drumsticks Crispy Skin if you follow the instructions accurately.