Description
This Oven Fried Chicken recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken by baking crispy, seasoned drumsticks coated in a crunchy bran flakes crust. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, paprika, cayenne, and coated with a light mayonnaise-mustard mixture, this dish delivers flavorful, golden-brown chicken that’s juicy inside and crisp outside without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 bone-in drumsticks (skin removed)
Breading
- 2 1/2 cups bran flakes (4 1/2 ounces) (use gluten-free crushed corn flakes)
- 3 teaspoon kosher salt (less if using regular salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Coating
- 3 tablespoons Hellman’s light mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Other
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Season the drumsticks evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt to enhance flavor.
- Prepare Baking Setup: Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with oil to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
- Crush Bran Flakes: Using a food processor or chopper, crush the bran flakes until they reach a fine, breadcrumb-like consistency.
- Mix Seasoned Breading: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed bran flakes with the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to distribute spices evenly.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the light mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Using a cooking brush, apply the mayonnaise-mustard mixture all over each drumstick.
- Bread the Chicken: Roll each coated drumstick in the seasoned bran flakes mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even crust.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken drumsticks on the prepared wire rack. Spray each piece lightly with oil spray to help achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the crust is golden and crispy.
Notes
- Removing the skin reduces fat content and allows the breading to adhere better.
- Using a wire rack ensures even cooking and crispy skin by allowing air circulation around the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
- If preferred, you can use gluten-free crushed corn flakes instead of bran flakes for the breading.
- For an alternative cooking method, this chicken can also be prepared in an air fryer at 370°F for 22 to 24 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American