Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

Last night's dinner can only be described as ordinary down home cookin'. Potatoes and parsnip mashed with butter and cream, two veggies and the easiest chicken cooking method known to man (or beast) makes for a solid plate of comfort in less than an hour. 

These darn allergies are kicking my butt and since the Big Guy's taken such good care of me over the past couple of days I figured I owed him a tasty meal - or at the very least one that smelled good. Me, I can't tell how it smelled or tasted but I do know the chicken has a ton of crunch.

The skin is removed from the drumsticks (grip it with a piece of paper towel and give it a good yank and you'll get the job done really quickly), then the legs are dipped into a mix of egg, Dijon mustard and cayenne. Coated in equal parts panko crumbs and freshly grated parmesan cheese they get a dribble of melted butter before hitting a 450 oven. Forty-five minutes later, dinner's on and believe you me, that bird rival's the Colonel's any old day of the week. 

Incidentally in case you're not into those spicy devilled flavors, leave out the cayenne and substitute garlic and dried basil and you've got a whole new taste sensation. Guaranteed!

Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

10 to 12 chicken drumsticks (approximately 2-1/2 pounds)

1/2 cup Dijon mustard

3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 egg or alternatively 1/2 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup panko crumbs

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons melted butter

Remove skin from chicken drumsticks. Rinse and dry well. Combine Dijon mustard, cayenne and egg in a small bowl and mix until well combined.

 In a zip bag combine panko, grated parmesan. Dip drumsticks in egg/mustard mixture making sure all sides are covered then place in panko crumb mixture. Press crumbs onto drumsticks to coat then arrange on a sheet pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake at 450 for 35 to 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked to your preference. 

 A year ago - Short Ribs in Porter

Two year's ago - Cajun Chicken Pasta

Comments

[Lea]

That is a lovely meal - and I did make me some breadcrumbs! So I can actually make this! I adore oven baked chix! Feel better sooner than soon, my friend!

[June]

I love chicken done this way too - it's so darn good cold too. As for feeling better, as much as I love spring, I hate it too! LOL

[Lorraine]

I wouldn't change a thing with this one. The chicken looks very crispy and the spice kicks it up a notch. Breath easy my friend.

[June]

Thanks Lorraine. I'm workin' on it!

[pam]

That does look like a good ole plate of food!

[June]

Pam - it would'a been better with gravy. LOL