Crispy Baked Drumsticks

Drum roll for the drumsticks, please.  These guys rock!  First off, they are cheapola (about $6 for 10 Smart Chicken drumsticks at my store).  Add in that this recipe is particularly tasty, kid-friendly (not too spicy), easy to make, and healthy...and I think I've found a new recipe for the rotation.  They had the texture and taste of fried chicken without all the fat and mess of frying. What a great fake out! Don't forget to double the recipe and freeze some for later.  I try to do that with most freezable meals as a way to maximize my time.  Note: Included at the bottom of this post is a simple recipe for a Honey-Mustard Sauce for dipping that I didn't make, in case you want to try it.  P.S. Don't judge me that we served dinner on paper plates tonight.  Let's chalk it up to "attempting a down home cooking feel" instead of being lazy, k?

Crispy Baked Drumsticks

Inspired by: recipe from eatingwell.com
Makes: 4 servings (2 drumsticks per person)

1/2 c flour (preferably whole wheat)
salt and pepper
2 large eggs
splash of milk or water
1 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic
1/4-1/2 tsp black pepper
3 T canola oil
8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs), skin removed, trimmed

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.  Coat a wire rack with cooking spray and set it on a large rimmed baking sheet.

Put flour on a plate and lightly season with salt and pepper.  Beat the egg, milk, and a dash of salt and pepper together in another shallow dish.  Mix breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, salt, garlic, and pepper in the last shallow dish.  Drizzle with oil and mash with a fork until the oil is thoroughly incorporated.

Pat the skinless, trimmed drumsticks dry.  Dredge in the flour and then in the egg mixture.  Then press into the breading mixture until evenly coated on both sides.  I used my fingers to distribute the breading evenly. Discard any remaining dredging mixture.  Place the chicken on the prepared rack.

Bake the chicken until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a drumstick without touching bone registers 165 degrees F, 25-30 minutes.

Optional:  Honey-Mustard Sauce

1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt, preferably Greek-style
2 T Dijon mustard
2 T honey
freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine yogurt, mustard, honey, and pepper in a small bowl.  Serve the sauce with the drumsticks.

This post is linked to:  Learn and Go