This oven-fried chicken recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken without the mess or excess oil. The secret lies in a tangy yogurt marinade that tenderizes the meat and a seasoned flour coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a Southern-style feast.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Baking:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and kosher salt.
- Add the chicken drumsticks and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and gently pat off excess yogurt with paper towels.
- Dredge each drumstick in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere the coating.
- Place the coated drumsticks on the prepared rack.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chicken legs.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese.
- Lighter Fare: Serve with a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables.
- Picnic Style: Enjoy cold with potato salad and pickles.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Crispy Tip: Add 1 tablespoon of baking powder to the flour mixture to enhance crispiness.
- Spicy Version: Mix ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the marinade for a kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend or crushed rice cereal for the coating.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness.
This oven-fried chicken is everything you love about fried chicken—crispy, juicy, and flavorful—without the hassle of deep frying. Want to try a buttermilk-brined version or a spicy Nashville-style twist next? I’ve got you covered!