Easy Oven-Fried Chicken Legs

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken legs, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk marinade. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. (30 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). While the oven is heating, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the foil-lined baking sheet in the oven to preheat along with the oven. This helps the chicken get extra crispy on the bottom. (10 minutes)

In a large resealable bag, combine the cornstarch, panko bread crumbs, smoked paprika, Greek seasoning, onion powder, poultry seasoning, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Seal the bag and shake to evenly distribute the spices and breadcrumbs. (5 minutes)

Remove the chicken legs from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place one chicken leg at a time into the bag with the dry coating mixture. Seal the bag and shake well to ensure each leg is fully coated in the panko mixture. (10 minutes)

Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven using pot holders. Add 1 tablespoon of the melted butter to the hot pan. Use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter evenly across the entire surface of the baking sheet. (5 minutes)

Arrange the coated chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Drizzle half of the remaining melted butter evenly over the chicken legs. (5 minutes)

Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, flipping the chicken legs over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crisping. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). (40 minutes)

Remove the chicken legs from the oven and drizzle with the remaining melted butter. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, flavorful oven-fried chicken. (5 minutes)