Seeking the best chicken drumstick recipe? This Crunchy Oven Fried Chicken recipe can't be beat -- it's full of flavor and so easy too.
There is something amazing about biting into the crispy coating of fried chicken. It crunches between your teeth, revealing layers of flavors. It's salty and wonderful.
Before you know it, you're biting into hot, juicy chicken, just below the skin. Well, at least I hope it's juicy. I've had a lot of flavorless meat on fried chicken in my day. Haven't you?
But this recipe for Crunchy Oven Fried Chicken always creates flavorful, juicy meat. It's reliable — a sure thing.
Seriously, this is the best chicken drumstick recipe: crispy and packed with flavor inside and out.
In 2010, I am focusing a lot on healthy, budget-friendly dishes. Chicken drumsticks are a very economical choice for protein. And kids love them -- handheld foods are always a delight.
Also, since these are baked, this is also a lighter version of fried chicken. Don't worry ... only a portion of the 2 tablespoons of butter actually makes it onto the chicken.
Save this recipe. Crunchy Oven Fried Chicken is perfect for a night when you are craving comfort food ... but not willing to break your healthy resolutions.
Crunchy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Seeking the best chicken drumstick recipe? This Crunchy Oven Fried Chicken recipe can't be beat -- it's full of flavor and so easy too.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn flake cereal
- 3 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, , divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, , melted
- 1 tablespoon skim milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 chicken drumsticks, (about 1 ⅓ lbs)
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF. Spray an oven-safe 13x9x2 inch pan with cooking oil spray.
- Place the cereal in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin. Add 2 tablespoon parsley and the paprika to the bag and shake to incorporate. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a small skillet. Remove from burner and let cool for a few minutes. Then, whisk in the milk, 1 tablespoon parsley and garlic salt. Wash and pat dry the chicken. Then, roll it in the butter mixture. Transfer chicken pieces to the resealable bag and shake until well-coated (do then all at once -- it's easiest). Place the chicken into the prepared pan. Spray lightly with cooking oil spray.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
I love that these are healthier! Great recipe.
Sounds appealing, but I have one question and one comment. First, what happens to the skim milk? Does that get whisked into the butter mixture?
Second, does this really serve four? Just one drumstick a person? That truly is light eating!
Thanks for the comment, Hugh! Yes, the milk gets whisked into the butter mixture -- I updated the recipe to add that. Sorry!
Also, yes, this feeds four. Drumsticks (not the tiny ones you have at a bar, but the big ones) have quite a bit of meat on them. I typically serve this with either a pasta or a potato, a vegetable (it was green beans the other night) and a salad. Sides are really important to healthy eating since meat just shouldn't be the center of a meal.
I prepared this dish with rosemary skillet cooked carrots and a salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cranberries, pecans, etc. It was a perfectly balanced meal and the chicken was a delectable protein; since I had a pack of six drumsticks I added some more parsley; I also didn't have Kellog's flakes so I used breadcrumbs instead, and I had no cooking spray so I used olive oil, which worked out just fine though the skin may've cooked a bit too much. The chicken was super tender inside and the outer crunchiness made for a perfect textural balance. DELICIOUS!
I love this recipe. My partner isn't a fan of chicken but loves these. I double the ingredients as we're big eaters. Also serve with mash spud, carrots, beans and corn on the cob.
I imagine this recipe would please everyone in my family! Crunchy and not fried? Perfect!
Mmm, gotta love a New Year that starts off with healthy fried chicken!