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Baked Chicken Leg Recipe
Baked chicken legs are a simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for weeknights or whenever you’re looking for a delicious, hands-off dinner. This easy recipe ensures juicy, flavorful chicken legs with a beautifully crisp skin.
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help crisp up the skin while keeping the inside juicy.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Brush or rub this mixture all over the chicken legs, ensuring they’re well-coated.
Baking:
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken legs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with foil. The wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, cooking it evenly and helping the skin become crispy.
- Bake: Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes. The chicken is done when its skin is crispy and golden, and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the leg (without touching the bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This helps redistribute the juices, making the meat even more tender.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish: Sprinkle the baked chicken legs with chopped fresh herbs before serving to add a burst of flavor and color.
- Sides: Serve your chicken legs with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a garlic aioli, for added flavor.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Legs:
- Marinating: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken legs in the seasoning mix for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Skin-On: Make sure to buy skin-on chicken legs, as the skin protects the meat during baking and becomes deliciously crisp.
- Even Cooking: If your chicken legs vary significantly in size, consider placing the larger ones toward the outside edges of the baking sheet where they’ll receive more heat.