For extra crispy skin, try placing the cooked chicken legs under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a touch of heat. If you don't have Greek seasoning, you can substitute with a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. The internal temperature is key to ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. You can also use other cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Easy Oven-Fried Chicken Legs
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PREP TIME30 mins
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COOK TIME40 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 40 mins
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SERVING6 People
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VIEWS22
Craving the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the guilt? These oven-fried chicken legs deliver all the flavor and crispy texture you love, with a fraction of the fat. Marinated in buttermilk and coated in a savory blend of spices and panko breadcrumbs, they're baked to golden perfection.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate28 g
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Cholesterol172 mg
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Fiber0 g
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Protein45 g
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Saturated Fat10 g
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Sodium1004 mg
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Sugar3 g
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Fat24 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepIn a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken legs, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk marinade. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. (30 minutes)
02
StepPreheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). While the oven is heating, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the foil-lined baking sheet in the oven to preheat along with the oven. This helps the chicken get extra crispy on the bottom. (10 minutes)
03
StepIn a large resealable bag, combine the cornstarch, panko bread crumbs, smoked paprika, Greek seasoning, onion powder, poultry seasoning, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Seal the bag and shake to evenly distribute the spices and breadcrumbs. (5 minutes)
04
StepRemove the chicken legs from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place one chicken leg at a time into the bag with the dry coating mixture. Seal the bag and shake well to ensure each leg is fully coated in the panko mixture. (10 minutes)
05
StepCarefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven using pot holders. Add 1 tablespoon of the melted butter to the hot pan. Use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter evenly across the entire surface of the baking sheet. (5 minutes)
06
StepArrange the coated chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Drizzle half of the remaining melted butter evenly over the chicken legs. (5 minutes)
07
StepRoast in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, flipping the chicken legs over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crisping. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). (40 minutes)
08
StepRemove the chicken legs from the oven and drizzle with the remaining melted butter. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, flavorful oven-fried chicken. (5 minutes)
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Alessia Bruen
Jun 16, 2025The trick of preheating the baking sheet is genius! The bottom of the chicken was perfectly crispy. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Warren Quigley
Jun 8, 2025This recipe is a game-changer! My family loves fried chicken, but I always feel guilty making it. This oven-fried version is just as delicious and so much healthier!
Edwin Gutkowskihudson
Jun 5, 2025I was skeptical about oven-fried chicken, but this recipe proved me wrong. The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The spices were perfect!
Brianne Beatty
Jun 3, 2025Easy to follow and the chicken turned out great! I added a little garlic powder to the spice mixture and it was amazing.
Michael Collins
Apr 11, 2025This is my new go-to recipe for fried chicken. The buttermilk marinade really makes a difference in the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.