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Simple Oven Baked Chicken Legs

Two juicy, richly seasoned Baked Chicken Legs with crispy, dark brown skin resting on a light blue plate.
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Follow these steps to bake chicken legs until the skin is crisp and the meat is juicy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs (about 3 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken legs completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using.
  4. Place the dried chicken legs in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken legs. Use your hands to rub the seasoning onto all surfaces of the chicken.
  6. Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
  7. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
  8. For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken legs in the oil and spices for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Baking on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet allows air to circulate, promoting crispier skin all around.
  • If your chicken legs are very large, you may need to increase the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorsensations.com/baked-chicken-legs-oven-recipe-crispy-juicy/