Shake 'n Bake is popular for a reason, but this homemade version is nearly as easy and exponentially more delicious. The recipe that follows starts with a base of panko breadcrumbs and crushed Cheez-its for tons of texture and flavor. To this, you'll add seasonings such as paprika, onion and garlic. Arranged on a wire rack and baked at a high temperature, these chicken legs come out juicy on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside.
Chicken drumsticks are an easy cut that cooks through relatively quickly, but if you prefer, you can also make this recipe with any other skin-on pieces of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken should always be cooked to 165 degrees F on the inside, so if you're not sure if the chicken is done, use a probe thermometer to check the temperature.
Oven Baked Crispy Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
3 cups Cheez-It crackers
2 cups panko bread crumbs
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
12 chicken legs
Cooking spray
Directions1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place the Cheez-Its into a food processor, and pulse until ground into crumbs the size of the panko bread crumbs.
3. In a large, zip-top bag, combine the Cheez-It crumbs, panko bread crumbs, cornstarch, flour and spices.
4. Put two chicken legs into the bag, and shake it until the drumsticks are well-coated.
5. Arrange the coated chicken legs on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray and set over an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
6. Repeat until all of the legs are coated.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is crispy.
