Why Baked Chicken Legs Are Your Next Go-To Dinner
When it comes to a dinner that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and delicious, baked chicken legs in the oven or oven baked chicken legs should be at the top of your list. Drumsticks or just simply chicken legs, are tender, juicy, full of flavor, they are relatively inexpensive and very easy to make for a weeknight or casual weekend meal. There are so many ways to prepare them, but today I will share my go to oven baked chicken legs recipe.
What makes oven-baked chicken legs so special? Oven baked chicken are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. And when seasoned to perfect, this relatively inexpensive meal made with pantry staples can become a culinary treat. Walk with me as a share this very easy recipe.
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Watch Video Tutorial for Baked Chicken Legs
Ingredients
Oven baked Chicken legs are so easy to make. It is made with ingredients you already have in your pantry. Here is what you will need:
- Chicken Legs: Chose Chicken legs that are fresh and meaty. It will serve as the base for this flavorful baked dish.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the seasoning to adhere to the chicken and ensures a crispy, golden skin.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder gives the chicken a slight garlicky and savory flavor in every bite.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a richness of flavor and a hint of bold color.
- Parsley Flakes: Parsley flakes add a fresh, herbal touch to the chicken and enhance its presentation.
- Black Pepper: The black pepper gives a mild hint of spice to increase the flavor profile.
- Salt: Salt ties all the flavors together, ensuring the chicken is well-seasoned.
What You Will Need
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Legs
Before starting, be certain to Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Next thoroughly clean and pat dry the chicken legs.
Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits into each chicken leg. This will help the seasoning penetrate better and allow the chicken to cook more evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful baked chicken legs!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley flakes, black pepper, and salt. Mix well. Next, place the chicken legs in a large bowl then drizzle the olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken legs and mix until each leg is thoroughly coated.
Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Refrigerate the Chicken Legs
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Baking the Chicken Legs
Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful baked chicken legs!
What to Eat With Baked Chicken Legs
Baked chicken legs are so versatile. It is a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with many hearty sides. They pair well with Collard greens, fried cabbage, roasted potatoes, dirty rice or candied yams. For a lighter meal try pairing your baked chicken with a garden salad, potato salad or macaroni salad. However you pair your baked chicken it will be a satisfying meal.
What to Do With Leftovers Baked Chicken Legs
Leftover baked chicken legs can be store in the refrigerator and/or freezer. Make sure your drumsticks are completely cooled before storing. Place them in an airtight container or tightly wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Baked chicken can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. To store them in the freezer, place them in a freezer safe container. Baked chicken can be stored in the freezer for 2-6 months.
Reheating Baked Chicken from the Refrigerator:
Baked Chicken can be reheated in several ways. I recommend in the oven, microwave or air fryer. When reheating in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and add little water or broth to keep the chicken from drying out. Cover the chicken and heat for 15 minutes.
When reheating using a microwave, place the chicken in a microwave safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1 minute flipping the chicken legs halfway through. When reheating in a air fryer simply place the chicken in the air fryer and turn the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to heat for 5 minutes. Using an air fryer to reheat your baked chicken will yield crispy, tender chicken.
Reheating Baked Chicken from the Freezer:
- Thaw first: The best way is to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This helps maintain its quality and prevents bacterial growth.
- Oven: Follow the same instructions as reheating from the refrigerator, but increase the baking time to 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: You can reheat frozen chicken in the microwave, but it may not be as evenly heated and can become dry. Follow the same instructions as reheating from the refrigerator, but start with longer bursts (1-2 minutes) and continue heating in shorter bursts until heated through.
Important Notes:
- Internal temperature: Always use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Don’t reheat more than once: Reheating chicken multiple times increases the risk of bacterial growth. Only reheat the amount you plan to eat.
No matter which method you choose, the key is to a heat the chicken gently to prevent it from drying out.
Other Great Recipes
Baked Chicken Legs
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
8 chicken legs
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Thoroughly clean and pat dry the chicken legs.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits into each chicken leg. This will help the seasoning penetrate better and allow the chicken to cook more evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley flakes, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Place the chicken legs in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken legs and mix until each leg is thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful baked chicken legs!
Recipe Video
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