Craving a simple yet delicious dinner? Oven Baked Chicken Legs are a perfect choice! These chicken legs are seasoned with a delightful blend of spices, making them flavorful and juicy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details of making this mouth-watering dish.
Ingredients List
For the Chicken Legs
- 6 chicken legs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Required Kitchen Tools
To prepare Oven Baked Chicken Legs, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowl: To mix the spice blend and coat the chicken legs evenly.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the chicken legs to perfection.
- Measuring Spoons: To measure out the spices and other ingredients accurately.
- Tongs: To handle the chicken legs while seasoning and baking.
- Basting Brush: To evenly spread the olive oil on the chicken legs.
Having these tools ready will make the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable.
Preparing the Chicken Legs
Proper preparation ensures that the chicken legs are flavorful and cooked to perfection. Here’s how to get started:
Mixing the Spice Blend
In a mixing bowl, combine the paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried rosemary, parsley flakes, ground black pepper, and ground mustard. Mix these spices thoroughly to create a well-blended seasoning.
Coating the Chicken Legs
Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures crispier skin. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs and use a basting brush to spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken legs, making sure each leg is well coated. Use your hands or tongs to rub the seasoning into the chicken for even coverage.
Marinating (Optional)
For an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the seasoned chicken legs. Place the coated chicken legs in a large resealable bag or cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, enhancing the overall flavor.
Baking the Chicken Legs
Baking the seasoned chicken legs to crispy perfection is straightforward. Here’s how to achieve the best results:
Preheating the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the chicken legs evenly and achieving a crispy skin.
Preparing the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This not only makes for easy cleanup but also prevents the chicken legs from sticking to the sheet. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet. The rack allows air to circulate around the chicken legs, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides.
Arranging the Chicken Legs
Remove the marinated chicken legs from the refrigerator and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Make sure to space them out evenly so they aren’t touching each other. This helps them cook uniformly and get that nice, crispy skin.
Baking Time
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken legs for 35-40 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to turn the chicken legs over to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. The chicken legs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
Serving the Oven Baked Chicken Legs
Once your chicken legs are perfectly baked, it’s time to serve them up. Here’s how to make your dish even more appetizing:
Garnishing the Chicken Legs
For an extra touch of flavor and color, garnish the chicken legs with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for those who might want an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
Suggested Side Dishes
Oven Baked Chicken Legs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect companion to the flavorful chicken legs.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts complements the seasoned chicken.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the chicken.
Presentation Tips
For a beautiful presentation, arrange the chicken legs on a large serving platter. Place the garnish and side dishes around the chicken to create an inviting and appetizing spread. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes it easy for everyone to serve themselves.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftover Oven Baked Chicken Legs, storing and reheating them properly will ensure they remain delicious and safe to eat.
Storing the Leftovers
To store the leftover chicken legs, let them cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store the chicken legs in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing for Longer Storage
If you’d like to keep the chicken legs for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating the Chicken Legs
To reheat the chicken legs and keep them crispy, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the skin is crispy again. If reheating from frozen, allow a bit more time.
Microwaving Option
For a quicker option, you can reheat the chicken legs in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Note that the skin may not be as crispy when using the microwave method.
Conclusion
Making Oven Baked Chicken Legs at home is easy and rewarding with this simple recipe. By following these steps, you can enjoy a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. From seasoning to baking and serving, each step ensures the chicken legs are packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Enjoy your delicious creation and don’t forget to try different side dishes to complement the rich, savory taste of the chicken legs!
If you have any questions or need further tips, feel free to reach out. Happy cooking!