Roasted Chicken with Cajun Seasoning

Fried chicken is often a family favourite but can be an involved and messy process. These oven-fried drumsticks simplify the method without sacrificing flavour. They're ready in about an hour and come out of the oven just as crispy and juicy. The flour is seasoned with paprika and poultry seasoning, along with a little curry powder for an interesting twist. The chicken is coated with the seasoned flour, placed on a baking sheet with melted butter, and then cooked to crispy perfection in a hot oven. The recipe works with chicken thighs (on the bone) and whole chicken legs (hindquarters), too. Bake these drumsticks for an easy and inexpensive weeknight meal. Serve them with macaroni and cheese, scalloped potatoes, or any of your favourite veggie sides. They are also great cold or at room temperature, and the recipe is easily scaled up or down.

½ cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
2½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
2 tsp. ground paprika
2½ tsp. Cajun seasoning
½ cup butter
20-24 chicken drumsticks

Heat the oven to 450°F (230°C, Gas Mark 8). Line two 9x13x2" baking pans with heavy-duty foil.

In a food storage bag, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, and poultry seasoning.

Cut the butter into pieces and place half (¼ cup) in each foil-lined pan. Put the pans in the oven to melt butter. (Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.)

Coat the chicken with the seasoned flour mixture, shaking about three legs at a time in the bag.

Place the chicken in the melted butter in the prepared pans.

Bake the drumsticks for 30 minutes. Turn the chicken over and bake 15-20 minutes longer, or until tender and nicely browned.

Makes 8 servings.

Cook's Notes:
Have the seasoned flour mixture and chicken ready to go before putting the baking pan with the butter in the oven so you can watch the butter carefully to be sure it doesn't burn. Unsalted butter is the best choice because it does not burn as easily at high temperatures. If you use salted butter, the kitchen may become smoky. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken before removing it from the oven. According to the USDA, the safe minimum temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).

Recipe Variations: Use a tsp. of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder if you don't have Cajun seasonings.