Introduction:
Baked chicken legs are a simple, delicious, and versatile dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. The chicken legs become crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside when baked, making them a family favorite. You can season them however you like, from classic herbs and spices to bold flavors.
Ingredients:
6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness
Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare Chicken Legs: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin become crispy when baked.
Season: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well-coated. Optionally, drizzle with honey or sprinkle with brown sugar for a sweet glaze.
Bake: Place the seasoned chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they cook evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Description:
These baked chicken legs are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The blend of garlic, onion, paprika, and thyme gives them a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the natural taste of the chicken. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family or cooking for guests, these baked chicken legs are sure to impress.
Tips:
Crispier Skin: To get extra crispy skin, make sure the chicken legs are completely dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding them on the baking sheet.
Internal Temperature: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The safe temperature for poultry is 165°F (75°C).
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings. Try adding chili powder for a kick, or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices, making the meat even more flavorful and tender.
Variations:
Barbecue Chicken Legs: Coat the chicken legs in your favorite barbecue sauce in the last 5 minutes of baking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Spicy Chicken Legs: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix to give the chicken a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused: For a fresh, herby flavor, use fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley instead of dried herbs.
Correction:
If you notice that the skin is not as crispy as you’d like, you can increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) for the last 5 minutes of baking, but be careful not to burn them.
Enjoy!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious, perfectly baked chicken legs. They pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Enjoy every bite!