I love to cook chicken drumsticks for my family. They are usually super inexpensive and can be bought in a big pack that's enough for several meals. I'm also a fan of them because one drumstick is the perfect portion for the kids.
The way that we usually prepare them is on the grill, like these Honey Mustard Drumsticks, but I decided to bake them in the oven this time with a crispy crunchy panko coating. The result leaves the chicken so incredibly juicy and super crunchy, just like chicken that's been fried. Hence the name "oven-fried".
I think what surprised me the most about this chicken was how much my 5-year old loved it. Her exact words were, "Can we have this for dinner every night? This is delicious!" And then she continued to swoon over it for the entire duration of the meal. If that doesn't make a momma happy, I don't know what does!
So, if you're looking for a way to dress up your budget-friendly drumsticks, give this preparation method a shot. I think your family will love every perfectly-seasoned, juicy, crunchy bite! I know mine did!
Yield: 3-4 servings
Oven-Fried Panko Crusted Chicken Drumsticks
Oven-Fried Panko Crusted Chicken Drumsticks are coated with an extra crunchy seasoned panko crust and then baked in the oven until they are golden brown and extra juicy. No one will believe that they're baked and not fried in oil!
prep time: cook time: total time: 55 MIN
INGREDIENTS
6 chicken drumsticks
1 egg
1 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Put the butter in your cast iron skillet and place it in the oven to melt.
2. Meanwhile, in a shallow dish whisk together the egg and the water. In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil and black pepper.
3. Dip the drumsticks in the egg mixture followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto each piece. Put the drumsticks into the pan of melted butter and drizzle them with olive oil.
4. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes, flip then continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes.
NOTES
I didn't measure the olive oil. I just gave a light drizzle to each piece of chicken.
If you're looking for a slimmed down version of an oven-fried chicken, try my greek yogurt marinated, whole wheat coated Skinny Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken! It's a winner, too!
Source: Adapted from Mr. Food
Nutrition data should not be considered a guarantee. Please see our full Nutrition Data Disclosure here.
