Baked Fried Chicken Oven (Printer-Friendly Version)

Oven-baked chicken with crispy Parmesan crust and juicy interior. Lighter than classic fried, perfect for weeknight dinners.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Chicken and Dairy

01 - 8 chicken legs (drumsticks), skin-on
02 - 1 cup buttermilk

→ Coating

03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ For Baking

10 - Nonstick cooking spray or 2 tablespoons neutral oil

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Place chicken legs in a large bowl and pour over buttermilk until fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse with flavor.
02 - In a large mixing bowl or food-safe bag, combine flour, seasoned salt, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
03 - Heat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spray generously with nonstick spray or brush with neutral oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
04 - Remove marinated chicken legs from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Place each leg in the coating mixture and toss or shake until each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated.
05 - Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they do not touch. Optionally, set a wire rack on the sheet and arrange chicken on top for extra crispness.
06 - Transfer tray to middle rack. Bake for 30 minutes, then carefully flip each piece using tongs. Continue baking for another 30 minutes or until the exterior is golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C).
07 - Remove chicken from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and finish the cooking process.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for best tenderness and flavor penetration.
02 - For optimal crispiness, use a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow heat circulation.
03 - Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven to restore crunch. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
04 - For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to the flour blend.

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