ADVERTISEMENT
For an extra crispy crust, you can repeat the dipping process—dipping the chicken back into the egg wash and then re-coating it with the breadcrumbs. This double-dipping technique creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
#### Step 5: Preparing the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. For even crispiness, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, helping it crisp up on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can still bake the chicken directly on the sheet, but the crust may not be quite as crispy.
Drizzle a small amount of oil on the wire rack or parchment paper. This will help the chicken legs crisp up while baking.
#### Step 6: Baking the Chicken
Arrange the coated chicken legs in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving space between each leg for even cooking. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the chicken directly on the baking sheet, but it’s important to make sure the legs aren’t touching each other.
Bake the chicken legs in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken legs. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken legs to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy. You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
#### Step 7: Serving the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute inside the chicken, ensuring that it stays tender and juicy.
Serve your oven-fried chicken legs with your favorite sides. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
—
### Tips for Perfect Oven Fried Chicken Legs
1. **Don’t Skip the Drying Step**: Drying the chicken legs with paper towels before seasoning them helps the breading stick better and ensures a crispier crust.
2. **Use a Wire Rack**: If possible, use a wire rack to elevate the chicken legs. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring that it cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides.
3. **Season the Chicken Well**: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. A flavorful coating is key to making the chicken taste amazing. Be generous with the spices and don’t forget to season the chicken itself before breading.
4. **Double Dipping for Extra Crispiness**: For an even crispier crust, consider double-dipping the chicken in the egg wash and breading mixture.
5. **Ensure the Chicken Reaches the Right Temperature**: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). This will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
—
### Variations of Oven Fried Chicken Legs
While the basic recipe for oven-fried chicken legs is fantastic on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
– **Spicy Oven Fried Chicken Legs**: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick. You can also season the chicken with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika to create a bold, flavorful coating.
– **Parmesan Crusted Chicken**: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breading mixture for an extra layer of flavor. The cheese helps create a golden, crispy crust with a savory, umami-packed taste.
– **Crispy Herb Chicken Legs**: Add fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the breading mixture for a fragrant and herby twist on traditional fried chicken.
– **Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs**: For a fresh, zesty flavor, add lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper to the breading. You can also drizzle a little lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.
—
### Final Thoughts
Oven-fried chicken legs are a healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. By baking the chicken in the oven at a high temperature, you can achieve that perfect crispy crust without all the excess oil. With a simple coating of flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, these chicken legs are packed with flavor and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for family and friends, oven-fried chicken legs are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Try the recipe for yourself and enjoy a healthier version of a classic comfort food that’s just as crispy, juicy, and satisfying as the fried version!
