Baked Chicken Legs Recipe made of tender, juicy chicken legs marinated in a blend of savory spices, then baked to perfection for a crispy exterior and succulent interior. This recipe serves 4 and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Legs Recipe:
- Easy Preparation: Requires minimal ingredients and effort.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and baked for a healthier alternative to frying.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Pair with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to rice.
❓ What Is Baked Chicken Legs Recipe?
Baked Chicken Legs Recipe involves chicken legs marinated in a flavorful spice blend, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a quick, healthy, and easy dish that delivers juicy meat with a crispy exterior, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
🧅 Ingredients:
- 4 large chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍗 Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This ensures a crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the spice mixture generously over the chicken legs, ensuring all sides are well coated.
- Place the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Crispier Skin: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow heat to circulate evenly around the chicken legs.
- Even Cooking: Ensure chicken legs are of similar size for even cooking.
- Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken for 1–2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Herb Options: Swap oregano for rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.
🥗 What To Serve With Baked Chicken Legs?
Serve Baked Chicken Legs with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad add a side of garlic bread or rice pilaf for a hearty meal. These versatile chicken legs complement a variety of flavorful sides.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Baked Chicken Legs?
- Refrigerator: Place cooled leftover baked chicken legs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe bag or container leftover baked chicken legs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Baked Chicken Legs?
- In The Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) leftover baked chicken legs for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
- In The Microwave: Heat on medium power leftover baked chicken legs for 2–3 minutes flipping halfway to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I bake chicken legs without marinating them?
Yes, you can bake chicken legs without marinating however, marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness of Baked Chicken Legs, making them more delicious.
How long should I bake chicken legs at 400°F?
Baked Chicken Legs typically take 35–40 minutes at 400°F use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I use frozen chicken legs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken legs, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before baking for even cooking.
What is the key to crispy Baked Chicken Legs?
To get crispy Baked Chicken Legs, pat them dry before seasoning and bake on a wire rack to allow hot air to circulate around them.
How can I prevent Baked Chicken Legs from drying out?
To keep Baked Chicken Legs juicy, avoid overcooking them let them rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to retain their moisture.
How do I know when Baked Chicken Legs are fully cooked?
Baked Chicken Legs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F use a meat thermometer to check the temperature near the bone.
Can I use drumsticks instead of full chicken legs?
Yes, drumsticks can be used in place of full chicken legs adjust the cooking time as drumsticks may cook slightly faster.
More Chicken Soups Recipes:
- Lemon Chicken Soup With Orzo Recipe
- The Best Chicken Wonton Soup Recipe
- Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 324
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 0g
Baked Chicken Legs Recipe
Description
Baked Chicken Legs Recipe made of tender, juicy chicken legs marinated in a blend of savory spices, then baked to perfection for a crispy exterior and succulent interior. This recipe serves 4 and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This ensures a crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the spice mixture generously over the chicken legs, ensuring all sides are well coated.
- Place the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Crispier Skin: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow heat to circulate evenly around the chicken legs.
Even Cooking: Ensure chicken legs are of similar size for even cooking.
Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken for 1–2 hours for deeper flavor.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Herb Options: Swap oregano for rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.