Baked chicken thighs are a hearty base for a satisfying meal. Thighs and drumsticks, both of which are dark meat, are slightly higher in fat than the white meat of a chicken breast. However, as an occasional indulgence they are worth trimming the difference in fat and calories from elsewhere in your diet. Flour-and-egg dipped chicken is a tradition dating back centuries, especially in the American South. The surprise is that it doesn't have to be fried to be good.
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2
Rinse the chicken legs in cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 3
Fill a shallow baking dish 2/3 full of flour. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the flour and mix it all together. Add poultry seasoning or your favorite spices, if you like.
Step 4
Fill the second bowl 1/3 full of milk and crack an egg into it. Beat the egg and milk together until they are smooth.
Step 5
Dip a chicken leg into the milk and egg mixture. Let the excess liquid drip off, and drag the chicken leg through the seasoned flour. Coat both sides, patting the flour onto the chicken until it adheres well, and then place the chicken leg into the oiled baking dish. Repeat this step until all of the chicken legs are coated.
Step 6
Place the baking dish into the oven and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Turn the chicken legs with tongs and continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 7
Check the internal temperature of the baked chicken legs by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the meatiest part of the thigh. Do not let the probe touch bone. The chicken legs are done when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Tips and Warnings
- Remove the skin before coating and cooking the chicken legs for a slightly healthier result.
- Never let anything that has come into contact with raw chicken also come into contact with cooked chicken.
Things You'll Need
- Paper towels
- Baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 shallow dishes
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Poultry seasoning (optional)
- Milk
- Egg
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
Member Comments