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Baked Chicken Legs
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Get ready to savor the best-baked chicken legs! This easy, delicious recipe will make your taste buds dance. Perfectly seasoned and crispy, these chicken legs are a family favorite. Try this quick and mouthwatering dish tonight!
This recipe is super easy to make. Just follow our guide below to learn how to bake chicken legs. We provide step-by-step photos and directions. Plus, you'll find pro tips and tricks to make it even better. Check out the most frequently asked questions and their answers!
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Whip up this oven baked chicken legs recipe in just 45 minutes for a meal that everyone will love! Perfect for parties, dinners, or potlucks, these chicken legs stand out with their crispy skin and juicy flavor. The secret blend of spices makes them irresistible. Try this recipe at home and watch it become a new family favorite!
Ingredients For Baked Chicken Legs
What you'll need to make this Baked Chicken Legs Recipe:
- 4 (2 pounds) of chicken quarters/legs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of lemon & pepper
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your baked chicken leg recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your chicken uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
- Substitute Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor in your baked chicken legs.
- Add Garlic Powder: Sprinkle garlic powder to enhance the savory taste of your chicken legs.
- Substitute Olive Oil: Try avocado oil for a different, rich flavor.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Use rosemary or thyme for an extra burst of flavor in your baked chicken legs.
- Substitute Lemon Juice: Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a tangy twist in your baked chicken legs.
How to Make Baked Chicken Legs
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started making delicious baked chicken legs! You’ll love how easy and tasty this recipe is! We think baking is the best way to cook chicken legs!
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
SECOND STEP: Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.
THIRD STEP: Mix all spices in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.
Pro Tip
Mixing all spices into a bowl first ensures the even distribution of flavors.
FOURTH STEP: Place the chicken legs/quarters on the cookie sheet.
FIFTH STEP: Coat each chicken quarter with olive oil, about ½ tablespoon per chicken quarter/leg.
SIXTH STEP: Sprinkle the seasoning evenly in a thin layer over the chicken on both sides.
SEVENTH STEP: Place the chicken open side up, which means the top of the chicken leg with skin on the cookie sheet.
EIGHTH STEP: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your chicken as the suggested baking time approaches.
NINTH STEP: Flip the chicken quarters over and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
Pro Tip
Per USDA standards, chicken is cooked at 165°F; however, cooking chicken legs at a higher temperature allows the connective tissue to break down more. This all means the chicken meat will be more tender.
TENTH STEP: Cool for 1-2 minutes on the pan.
ELEVENTH STEP: Serve and Enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs
You can serve this recipe for chicken legs at any occasion! Perfect for family dinners, parties, or summer BBQs. Both kids and adults will love this tasty recipe.
- Family Dinners: Serve these chicken legs with mashed potatoes and carrots for a comforting family meal. Everyone will enjoy this easy and delicious dinner!
- Parties and Potlucks: These chicken legs make a great addition to any party or potluck. Pair them with coleslaw and cornbread for a crowd-pleasing feast.
- Summer BBQs: Grill up some corn on the cob and serve it alongside these baked chicken legs. Perfect for a summer BBQ or 4th of July party, this combination will make your taste buds dance!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Baked Chicken Legs is more than just a dish—it's a beloved favorite for several delightful reasons:
- Crispy and Juicy Perfection: These chicken legs achieve the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick and Easy to Make: You can whip up this delicious recipe in just 45 minutes. Its simplicity means you can enjoy more time with family and friends.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it's a casual family dinner, a lively party, or a summer BBQ, these chicken legs fit right in. Their versatile flavor profile pairs well with plenty of homemade side dishes, like baked beans or biscuits, making every occasion special.
Baking FAQ
How long do you bake chicken legs?
Bake chicken legs at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do I need to marinate oven baked chicken legs?
Marinating oven roasted chicken legs is optional, but enhances flavor. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
How do I make the chicken legs crispy?
For crispy skin, pat chicken legs dry before seasoning and bake at a high temperature of 400°F.
Can I use frozen chicken legs?
Yes, but you need to thaw frozen chicken legs in the refrigerator overnight before baking for even cooking.
Serving FAQ
How many chicken legs should I serve per person?
Serve 2-3 chicken legs per person for a satisfying portion size.
Can I serve these baked chicken legs cold?
Yes, oven chicken legs taste great cold and make a perfect addition to a picnic or lunchbox.
What's the best way to present baked chicken legs?
To serve the best baked chicken legs, arrange the chicken legs on a large platter with fresh herbs for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
How can I keep chicken legs warm for serving?
Keep chicken legs warm by covering them with foil and placing them in a low oven until ready to serve.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of this recipe. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered.
Can I prepare these chicken legs ahead of time?
Yes, season the chicken legs and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
What's the best way to store leftover baked chicken legs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep well for up to three days.
Is it possible to freeze baked chicken legs?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken legs in an airtight container for up to one month.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen baked chicken legs?
Thaw the chicken legs in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in a 350°F oven until heated through.
How should I reheat baked chicken legs when ready to serve?
Reheat the chicken legs in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I reheat baked chicken legs in the microwave?
Yes, for quick reheating, use the microwave in 30-second increments, but be careful not to overcook.
Baked Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken quarters/legs (2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon & pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside
- Mix all spices in a small bowl. Set aside. Mixing all spices into a bowl ensures the even distribution of flavors.
- Place the chicken legs/quarters on the cookie sheet.
- Coat each chicken quarter with olive oil, about ½ tablespoon per chicken quarter/leg.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly in a thin layer over the chicken on both sides.
- Place the chicken open side up, which means the top of the chicken leg with skin on the cookie sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Flip the chicken quarters over and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
- Cool for 1-2 minutes on the pan.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Mixing all spices into a bowl first ensures the even distribution of flavors.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your chicken as the suggested baking time approaches.
- Per USDA standards, chicken is cooked at 165°F; however, cooking chicken legs at a higher temperature allows the connective tissue to break down more. This all means the chicken meat will be more tender.
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