Oven Fried Buttery Chicken Legs Recipe

Introduction

This Oven Fried Buttery Chicken Legs recipe delivers crispy, golden skin and juicy meat without the mess of deep frying. Coated in a flavorful cracker crumb mixture and baked in melted butter, it’s a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy drumsticks at home.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 pounds drumsticks
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cups ground butter crackers
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the butter in a cast iron skillet or cookie sheet and put it in the oven to melt.
2. Step 2: While the butter melts, stir together the mayonnaise and milk in a shallow dish until smooth.
3. Step 3: In a large zip-top bag, combine the ground butter crackers, garlic powder, and salt. Shake the bag to mix evenly.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken drumstick in the mayonnaise mixture, then place them inside the bag with the cracker crumbs.
5. Step 5: Seal the bag securely and shake well to thoroughly coat the chicken with the cracker crumb mixture.
6. Step 6: Carefully remove the pan with melted butter from the oven and arrange the coated chicken legs in the butter.
7. Step 7: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, then flip each piece over to promote even cooking.
8. Step 8: Continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
• Substitute garlic powder with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Use crushed buttery crackers like Ritz for best results, but panko or crushed breadcrumbs can work in a pinch.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices and enhance flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but cooking time may vary. Thighs remain juicy while breasts may need careful monitoring to avoid drying out.

Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the coating?

Mayonnaise helps the cracker crumbs stick and adds moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with buttermilk or a beaten egg if preferred.

Oven Fried Buttery Chicken Legs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 141 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Oven Fried Buttery Chicken Legs feature tender drumsticks coated in a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise and milk, then dredged in a crunchy, buttery cracker crumb coating. Baked to golden perfection in melted butter, this recipe offers a crispy, juicy, and delicious twist on traditional fried chicken without the mess of deep frying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 2 pounds drumsticks
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cups ground butter crackers
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Butter Base

• 4 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Melt Butter: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the 4 tablespoons of butter in a cast iron skillet or cookie sheet and put it in the oven to melt completely, creating a rich base for the chicken.
2. Prepare Mayonnaise Mixture: While the butter melts, stir together the 1/3 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons milk in a shallow dish until smoothly combined. This mixture will help the cracker crumbs stick to the chicken.
3. Mix Cracker Coating: In a large zip-top bag, combine the 1 1/2 cups ground butter crackers, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Seal the bag and shake well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
4. Coat Chicken in Mayonnaise Mixture: Dip each drumstick into the mayonnaise and milk mixture, ensuring it is well coated to help the crumb mixture adhere properly.
5. Dredge Chicken in Cracker Crumbs: Place the coated chicken pieces into the zip-top bag with the cracker mixture. Seal the bag tightly and shake to coat each piece evenly in the crumb mixture.
6. Arrange Chicken in Butter: Carefully remove the skillet or cookie sheet from the oven once the butter has melted. Place the crumb-coated chicken pieces in the melted butter, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer.
7. Bake and Flip: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, flip each piece over to promote even cooking and browning on all sides.
8. Finish Baking: Continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid undercooking.
• Ground butter crackers can be made by crushing store-bought butter-flavored crackers in a food processor or sealed bag.
• Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated for the crispiest crust.
• If preferred, you can swap drumsticks with chicken thighs or breasts, but cooking times may vary.
• For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cracker mix.
• Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking for juicier results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: oven fried chicken, buttery chicken legs, crispy baked chicken, cracker crumb chicken, easy chicken recipe