Description
Crispy baked pepperoni chicken legs coated in a flavorful cracker crust, topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and finished with parmesan and oregano. Perfect for a hearty family meal with a pizza-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and 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
- 8 slices of pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken drumsticks evenly.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken drumstick into the beaten eggs to moisten, then coat evenly with a mixture of flour, garlic powder, and salt. After that, roll the drumsticks in crushed crackers to create a crispy crust layer.
- Bake First Stage: Place the coated drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to ensure an even crust and thorough cooking.
- Add Toppings: Remove the partially baked chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange slices of pepperoni on top for the classic pizza flavor.
- Bake Second Stage: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted perfectly and the toppings are heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chicken with grated parmesan and chopped oregano for a burst of flavor before serving immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko or seasoned cracker crumbs.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or olives.
- Ensure chicken drumsticks are fully cooked by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
