Oven Fried Chicken Legs

### **Instructions**

#### **1. Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken for an evenly crispy texture.

#### **2. Prepare the Chicken**
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating stick and ensure crispiness.

#### **3. Make the Coating**
In a shallow bowl or dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.

#### **4. Coat the Chicken**
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken legs and rub it in evenly. Then, dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. For an extra crispy coating, press the chicken into the flour mixture gently to ensure it sticks well.

#### **5. Arrange the Chicken on the Rack**
Place the coated chicken legs on the wire rack in a single layer. This will allow the heat to circulate around the chicken, making it crisp on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the chicken directly on the baking sheet, but a rack will yield a crispier result.

#### **6. Bake the Chicken**
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For even crispier skin, flip the chicken halfway through the baking time.

#### **7. Serve and Enjoy**
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.

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### **Tips for Perfect Oven Fried Chicken Legs**

1. **Dry the Chicken Well**: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the oil and flour mixture.
2. **Use a Wire Rack**: If possible, use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This helps the heat circulate around the chicken, ensuring an even, crispy texture all over.
3. **Don’t Skip the Baking Powder**: The baking powder helps create an ultra-crispy crust by lifting the coating during baking.
4. **Check for Doneness**: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick.

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### **Variations to Try**

– **Spicy Oven Fried Chicken**: Add more cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the oil for a spicy kick.
– **Herb-Crusted Chicken**: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano to the flour mixture for a fragrant, herby twist.
– **Parmesan Crust**: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
– **Honey Mustard Glaze**: Brush the chicken with a sweet honey mustard glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking for a sweet and tangy finish.

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### **Why This Recipe Works**

**Oven Fried Chicken Legs** are the perfect balance of crispy and juicy without the hassle of deep frying. The simple coating of seasoned flour combined with olive oil gives the chicken a beautifully golden, crunchy exterior, while baking ensures the meat stays tender and moist. Whether you’re serving these for a weeknight dinner or preparing for a family gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– Serve your **Oven Fried Chicken Legs** with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
– Pair with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for an extra burst of flavor.
– Serve with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the chicken.

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### **Conclusion**

This **Oven Fried Chicken Legs** recipe gives you all the comfort and flavor of fried chicken, but with less mess and fewer calories. Simple, quick, and packed with crispy goodness, this dish is a crowd favorite that everyone will love. With just a few pantry staples and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a satisfying and delicious meal ready to serve in no time.