Description
These Baked Chicken Legs are crispy on the outside with juicy, tender meat inside. Infused with fragrant garlic, rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika, this simple oven-baked recipe transforms everyday chicken legs into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, the chicken is marinated to boost flavor and baked to golden perfection without any frying needed.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Legs
- 8 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick attached)
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken legs under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels. Dry skin promotes crispiness during baking.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken legs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss or seal and shake to coat all the legs evenly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor, refrigerate and marinate for several hours or overnight.
- Arrange and Bake: Lay the marinated chicken legs in a single layer on a large baking sheet or roasting pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The chicken is done when the skin is crispy and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- The dry skin on the chicken legs before baking is key to achieving crispy skin.
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the herb and garlic flavors.
- Using fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme elevates the aroma and taste compared to dried versions.
- The lemon wedges add a zesty brightness that complements the savory, smoky spices.
- This recipe requires no frying, making it a healthier alternative while still getting crispy skin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken leg
- Calories: 399 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 109 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 116 mg
