Chinese Chicken Legs
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Chinese Chicken Legs, a savory and sticky dish that’s bound to impress! These tender, oven-baked chicken legs are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, and aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder for a bold, umami-packed punch. After soaking up the rich marinade, the chicken is baked to golden perfection and glazed with a simmered sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the final minutes of cooking. Finished with a garnish of fresh green onions and nutty sesame seeds, this dish is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies for an easy yet flavorful meal that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, these chicken legs will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken legs
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, and rice vinegar. Whisk until well combined to make the marinade.
Place the chicken legs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken legs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve any leftover marinade in a small saucepan.
Bake the chicken legs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning them over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
While the chicken is baking, bring the reserved marinade to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. This will serve as a glaze for the chicken.
After 35-40 minutes of baking, brush the thickened glaze over the chicken legs, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Serve the Chinese Chicken Legs with steamed white rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2137 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.6 g | 157% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.8 g | 159% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 908 mg | 303% | |
| Sodium | 6282 mg | 273% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.7 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.2 g | ||
| Protein | 183.1 g | 366% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 223 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 13.0 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 2483 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
