Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Legs Baked Not Fried

My kids absolutely love fried chicken, and while I treat them to it every so often, I often prefer baking chicken to help instill the importance of healthy eating. Baking allows me to create a delicious, crispy texture without all the added oil, and it’s become a great way to offer them a healthier version of their favorite meal. Over time, my oven-baked chicken recipe has truly become a family favorite! It’s flavorful, easy to make, and still has that satisfying crunch that they love. Now, it’s something we make regularly, and I love that it’s a recipe they enjoy without sacrificing nutrition. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this baked version is a must-try!

Step-by-step: Oven fried chicken

Marinade – Place all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl and combine well. Marinate – Add the chicken pieces and combine well. Cover the bowl and leave to marinate for 30 minutes on the counter or up to 12 hours in the fridge.Pro tip – long marination will make the chicken tender and juicy but up to overnight only.

Coating – In a large bowl, combine all the coating ingredients.Pro tip – the flour tends to settle a the bottom so keep tossing it around during coating. Oven – Preheat the oven to 200C/ 400F / Gas Mark 6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.Pro tip – spraying the parchment paper will prevent the chicken from sticking to the parchment during baking.

Coat – Use a fork to pick the drumstick from the marinade and add it to the breadcrumb coating. Coat it generously with the breadcrumbs. Shake off excess. Tray – Place the chicken pieces on the baking sheet and spray generously with cooking spray. Bake – Transfer to the oven on the center rack and bake for 40 to 45 minutes turning them over to cook evenly. Spray with cooking spray again too.Pro tip – spraying will give the chicken a nice golden color otherwise they will be baked but with a very pale breadcrumb color Cool – Remove the chicken from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.