Description
Delicious Pepperoni Chicken Legs feature crispy coated drumsticks baked to perfection, topped with savory marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and spicy pepperoni slices, finished with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh oregano for a flavorful meal that combines classic Italian flavors with a crunchy chicken twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Coating
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups crushed crackers
Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices of pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the chicken legs evenly and achieve a crispy coating.
- Prepare Chicken Coating: Dip each chicken drumstick into the beaten eggs to help the coating adhere. Then, coat the drumsticks in flour mixed with garlic powder and salt. Finally, roll the drumsticks in crushed crackers to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake Chicken Legs: Place the coated drumsticks on a baking tray and bake for 25 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through baking to promote even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Add Toppings: Remove the chicken from the oven and generously top each drumstick with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and slices of pepperoni to infuse Italian flavors.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the topped drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and chopped oregano over the chicken legs. Serve hot for a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of crushed crackers.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats like salami or omit for a milder flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- This recipe pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce if monitoring sodium intake.
