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Easy Baked Chicken Legs Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 41 reviews

This Easy Baked Chicken Legs recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to prepare juicy and tender chicken drumsticks with a crispy skin. Seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, these baked chicken legs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Garnish with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, or preferred oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 6 Chicken Leg Drumsticks, patted dry with a paper towel
  • Lemon Wedges (for garnish), optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken legs. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through and achieves a crispy skin.
  2. Prepare the Seasoning Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken leg drumsticks to the bowl with the seasoning mix and toss thoroughly to make sure each drumstick is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned chicken legs on a baking sheet, ensuring there is at least 1-inch of space between each drumstick. This spacing helps them cook evenly and crisp up.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken legs uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check they have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. You may bake longer if you prefer crispier skin.
  6. Rest the Chicken: Transfer the baked chicken legs to a serving platter, cover loosely, and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This step helps retain juices and improves the texture.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the chicken legs warm. Optionally, garnish with lemon wedges to add a fresh, zesty flavor.
  8. Storage: Let any leftovers cool before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken legs are patted dry to help achieve crispy skin during baking.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe cooking.
  • For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken legs for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to preserve the crispy texture.
  • Lemon wedges add a bright citrus note but are optional.

Keywords: baked chicken legs, easy chicken recipe, baked drumsticks, oven chicken, crispy chicken legs, simple chicken dinner, weeknight chicken

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/easy-baked-chicken-legs-recipe/