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Baked Chicken Legs

Baked Chicken Legs: The secret to this recipe is to transform basic ingredients into a delicious dish. After being marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, the chicken legs are roasted until they are juicy and crispy.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Marinade time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 chicken legs drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Optional: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or chili powder for additional flavor

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to achieve crispy skin on the chicken legs.

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting the skin crispy.
  • Place the chicken legs in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. This will make it easier to coat them evenly with the seasoning.

Season the Chicken:

  • Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the chicken legs. The fat helps the seasoning stick and contributes to crispy skin.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. If you're using additional herbs or spices like thyme, rosemary, or chili powder, add them to this mixture.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken legs. Use your hands to toss the chicken in the bowl or shake the bag until all the chicken legs are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

Arrange on Baking Sheet:

  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes for easier cleanup.
  • Place a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet. Elevating the chicken allows air to circulate underneath, helping to cook it evenly and crisp the skin.
  • Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on the wire rack. Make sure they are spaced out and not touching each other, which helps them cook evenly.

Bake:

  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
  • Bake the chicken legs for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the chicken leg without touching the bone.
  • About halfway through the baking time (around 20 minutes), turn the chicken legs over to ensure even cooking and browning.

Optional Step for Extra Crispy Skin:

  • If you want extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.

Serve:

  • Once the chicken legs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest on the wire rack for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it more tender.
  • Serve the chicken legs hot. They pair well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Marinating: If time allows, marinate the chicken legs in the oil and seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavor.
  • Storage: Leftover chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Enjoy your deliciously seasoned and crispy baked chicken legs!
Keyword Baked Chicken, Baked Chicken Breasts, Baked Chicken Legs, Chicken Legs