Roast Chicken Legs with Lemon Thyme
Succulent and bursting with flavor, these Roast Chicken Legs with Lemon Thyme make for a simple yet elegant dinner that’s sure to impress. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic, and fragrant fresh thyme, these chicken legs are roasted to golden perfection, with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. A zesty infusion of lemon juice and zest brightens each bite, while butter adds a rich, luscious touch. Quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a refined weekend meal. Serve these aromatic chicken legs alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a wholesome and satisfying dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 1 whole lemon
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. Add the minced garlic to the bowl with the chicken.
Zest the lemon using a grater, then cut the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice from one half into the bowl and reserve the other half for later.
Strip the thyme leaves from their stems and add them to the bowl. Reserve a few sprigs for garnish if desired.
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish, skin-side up.
Cut the reserved lemon half into thin slices and arrange them around the chicken legs.
Dot the chicken with small amounts of butter for added richness.
Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with reserved thyme sprigs and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
326 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.4 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 597 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.1 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 22.8 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 290 mg | 6% | |
*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.
