Succulent Roasted Chicken Legs (Print version)

Tender chicken legs infused with herbs and spices, roasted to a golden crisp for a flavorful main.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 chicken legs (drumstick and thigh attached, approximately 2.6 lbs total)

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

→ Optional Garnish

10 - Fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F.
02 - Pat the chicken legs dry using paper towels.
03 - In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, ground black pepper, and salt.
04 - Rub the marinade evenly over all sides of the chicken legs.
05 - Place the chicken legs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a roasting pan.
06 - Roast in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until skin is crisp and golden and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
07 - Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It requires barely any prep work, just a quick rub and into the oven it goes.
  • The skin turns impossibly crispy while the meat stays tender and juicy underneath.
  • You probably have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry right now.
  • It fills your kitchen with the kind of smell that makes everyone wander in asking whats for dinner.
02 -
  • Drying the chicken legs before seasoning is absolutely essential, wet skin will steam instead of crisp.
  • Dont crowd the pan or the chicken will bake instead of roast and the skin wont get crispy.
  • If your oven runs cool, bump the temperature up to 450°F or give it an extra 5 minutes.
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid guessing, 165°F in the thickest part means perfectly cooked chicken every time.
  • Let the chicken come to room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting for more even cooking.
  • Save the pan drippings and toss them with roasted vegetables or drizzle over rice for extra flavor.

Return