Baked chicken legs are a versatile, easy-to-make dish that can be served as a main course for any meal. The crispy skin and tender, juicy meat make them a family favorite. This recipe will walk you through every step to create perfectly baked chicken legs, with tips on seasoning, baking, and achieving that perfect crispy finish.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (for a kick, optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Stage 1: Preparing the Chicken Legs
- Preheat the oven. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high heat is key to getting that crispy skin on the chicken while keeping the meat juicy inside.
- Prepare the chicken. Take the chicken legs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the skin will help it become crispy during baking.
- Season the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix the spices together. Drizzle the olive oil (or melted butter) over the chicken legs, and then rub the seasoning mix onto the chicken, making sure each leg is evenly coated. You can also gently lift the skin and apply some of the seasoning directly onto the meat for extra flavor.