Description
Sizzling pepperoni chicken legs deliver a mouthwatering fusion of Italian and American flavors that dance across taste buds. Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly juicy, you’ll find this dish impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 8 slices of pepperoni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups crushed crackers
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Create a coating station with beaten eggs, preparing to transform the chicken drumsticks into a crispy delight.
- Dredge each drumstick thoroughly in flour, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crunch.
- Roll the flour-coated drumsticks in crushed crackers, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely.
- Arrange the prepared drumsticks on a baking sheet, allowing space between each piece for even heat circulation.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, turning the drumsticks midway to ensure uniform golden browning.
- Carefully remove the partially cooked drumsticks and generously spread marinara sauce over each piece.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the sauced drumsticks, creating a melty base.
- Strategically place pepperoni slices on top of the cheese for additional flavor and visual appeal.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbling.
- Garnish with freshly grated parmesan and finely chopped oregano just before serving to enhance the final presentation.
Notes
- Crisp coating works best with finely crushed crackers, ensuring an even, golden-brown crunch that adheres perfectly to chicken.
- Prevent soggy bottoms by using a wire rack on the baking sheet, allowing hot air to circulate and maintain the drumsticks’ crispy exterior.
- For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour and use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs as the coating.
- Swap pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or thin salami slices to reduce fat content while maintaining the delicious savory flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 338 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg