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Baked Chicken Legs

Name: Baked Chicken Legs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Baked Chicken Legs
Ingredients: 8 chicken legs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Baked Chicken Legs are a simple and reliable choice for a quick family dinner. This method ensures the skin becomes golden and crisp while the meat remains tender. You only need a few basic pantry spices to create a delicious result. It is an easy way to prepare a satisfying meal with very little effort in the kitchen.

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Why prepare baked chicken legs

Cooking baked chicken legs in the oven is a great way to feed several people at once. The high heat helps to render the fat and create a tasty crust on the outside. Because the meat stays on the bone, it retains more moisture during the cooking process. You can serve them with almost any side dish like potatoes or a fresh salad.

How to get baked chicken legs ready

Step 1

Preheat: Heat your oven to 200C and line a large baking tray with baking parchment. Pat the chicken legs dry with kitchen paper to help the skin get crispy. Drying the surface is a key step for the best texture.

Step 2

Season: Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and oregano in a small bowl. Brush the chicken with olive oil to help the spices stick. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chicken.

Step 3

Bake: Place the seasoned meat on the prepared tray in a single layer. Bake the chicken for 45 minutes until the skin is dark golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 75C when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 4

Rest: Remove the tray from the oven once the time is up. Let the meat rest for five minutes before serving to keep the juices inside. Serve the hot chicken with your favourite side dishes for a complete meal.

Good advice for making baked chicken legs

Always make sure to pat the skin dry with paper towels before you add the oil and spices. Moisture on the surface will cause the meat to steam rather than roast. Using a wire rack placed on top of your baking tray can also help the air circulate around the whole piece. This makes the bottom of the baked chicken legs just as crispy as the top.

If you want even more flavour, you can leave the seasoned chicken in the fridge for an hour before cooking. This gives the spices time to penetrate deeper into the skin. Do not crowd the baking tray or the heat will not reach every part of the chicken evenly. If you have a large family, use two trays to ensure there is plenty of space between each piece.

You may also like meat sauce, turkey with smashed potatoes or caesar salad.

Ingredients

servings

Adjust quantity

8 chicken legs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Large baking tray
Baking parchment
Small mixing bowl
Pastry brush

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving

Energy:1715 kJ / 410 kcal
Fat:28 g
- of which saturates:7 g
Carbohydrates:2 g
- of which sugars:0 g
Protein:38 g
Fibre:1 g
Salt:620 mg

You should cook baked chicken legs for approximately 45 minutes at 200C. The time might vary slightly depending on the size of the legs and your specific oven. Always check that the juices run clear and the internal temperature is 75C to ensure they are safe to eat.

Can I store leftover baked chicken legs in the fridge?

Yes, you can store leftover baked chicken legs in an airtight container for up to three days. They are great for cold lunches or can be reheated in the oven to keep the skin firm. Make sure they have cooled completely before putting them in the fridge.

What can I serve with these chicken legs?

These legs go well with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. You could also serve them with rice or a creamy mash. The simple seasoning makes them very versatile for many different types of side dishes.