Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering dish that's as easy as it is delicious? Look no further than these Easy Baked Chicken Legs! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a weeknight favorite. Imagine succulent chicken legs with crispy skin, seasoned to perfection, all ready in under an hour! Dive into this recipe and discover how to elevate your dinner game effortlessly.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Remove chicken legs from refrigerator and pat completely dry with paper towels. This ensures crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each chicken leg, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly. For best flavor, gently lift the skin and distribute some seasoning underneath.
- Arrange chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows hot air to circulate and promotes even cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Patience is Key: Make sure to pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This simple step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin!
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Make sure to coat every inch of the chicken legs, including under the skin, for maximum flavor.
- Spacing Matters: Arrange the chicken legs on the baking sheet with space between them. This allows hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- Pair with Sides: Serve your baked chicken legs with delicious sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
