Baked Chicken Legs
Baked Chicken Legs offer a mouth-watering meal with crispy skin and juicy meat that everyone will love. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 4 pieces chicken legs Drumsticks or thighs can be used interchangeably.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Can be substituted with canola or vegetable oil.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For the Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used for a more intense flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika Can substitute with chili powder and cayenne for a spicier flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- In a large bowl, coat the chicken legs with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well so that every leg is evenly seasoned.
- Place the seasoned chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking
- Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, ensuring the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken legs to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute.
Notes
Uniform size chicken legs will cook evenly. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken legs with seasoning for a few hours or overnight. To achieve extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.