Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Perfectly Baked Chicken Legs, a recipe that delivers irresistible flavor with minimal effort. Juicy chicken legs are coated in a tantalizing marinade made from olive oil, garlic powder, warm paprika, aromatic dried thyme, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of onion powder, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness. Baked to golden perfection in just 45 minutes, the crispy skin and tender meat make this dish a family favorite. Garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and brightness, these oven-baked chicken legs pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. With easy cleanup and simple prep, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks and guaranteed to become a go-to staple. Ideal for keywords like "oven-baked chicken," "crispy chicken legs," and "easy chicken dinner."
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and onion powder to form a marinade.
Place the chicken legs in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure all pieces are well coated. If time allows, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
Arrange the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) and the skin is crispy.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for added freshness and color.
Enjoy your perfectly baked chicken legs with your choice of side dishes!
Calories |
1940 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 133.2 g | 171% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.7 g | 168% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 907 mg | 302% | |
| Sodium | 3255 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.1 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 168.9 g | 338% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 121 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 1947 mg | 41% | |
*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.