Easy Baked Chicken Legs
User Reviews
4.6
Easy Baked Chicken Legs
Description
This recipe begins by marinating chicken legs in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, dried oregano and thyme, salt, and black pepper. The marinade infuses the meat with citrus brightness and aromatic herbs and spices. Marinating ideally overnight deepens the flavor, or a minimum 20 minutes allows some penetration.
The chicken is then arranged in a baking dish and cooked in a hot oven at 200°C (390°F) for 20 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through so the legs brown evenly. The result is tender, juicy meat with a flavorful, slightly spicy skin. Resting after baking helps the juices redistribute.
Leftovers keep well for several days, making this recipe practical for batch cooking or lunches. It can be easily halved for smaller portions. This simple method showcases baked chicken legs with vibrant seasoning and a balance of acidity and heat.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2lb) chicken leg or chicken drumstick
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 garlic crushed/minced, cloves
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tsp oregano dried
- 2 tsp thyme dried
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs and spices in a measuring jug.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and allow to marinade for at least 20 minutes but ideally overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish that is big enough to hold the chicken in a single layer.
- Allow the chicken to bake for 20-30 minutes, turning halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven, allow to rest for 5 minutes then serve.
Notes
- The recipe quantity can be halved for fewer servings without issue.
- Leftover chicken legs store well and make quick, tasty lunches for several days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 275 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 275kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 116mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 687mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 291mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 381IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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