Enjoy the delicious crunch of fried chicken without the guilt with these Oven-Fried Chicken Legs. Marinated in a tangy buttermilk mixture and seasoned with a blend of spices, these chicken legs bake to perfection in the oven, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Ingredients:
- Chicken legs: 5-6
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Dill pickle juice: 1 tablespoon
- Hot sauce: 4-5 dashes
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
- Ranch salad dressing mix: 1 package
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Corn starch: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
Directions:
- Marinate: Whisk buttermilk, pickle juice, and hot sauce together. Submerge chicken legs in the mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Prepare Coating: Mix flour, ranch mix, corn starch, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a resealable bag.
- Preheat and Prep: Place oil and butter in a cast iron skillet, and put it in the oven. Preheat to 425°F, letting the skillet get hot.
- Coat Chicken: Coat each marinated chicken leg in the seasoned flour mixture, then place in the hot skillet.
- Bake: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, turning every 10 minutes until evenly browned and cooked through.
Conclusion and Tips: These Oven-Fried Chicken Legs offer a crispy exterior with a juicy, flavorful interior. For extra flavor, adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.