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Oven Roasted Chicken Legs Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

This Oven Roasted Chicken Legs recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a beautifully crisp skin, seasoned with a vibrant blend of herbs and spices. Perfectly roasted in the oven at high heat, the chicken is juicy inside with a golden, aromatic crust, making it an ideal main dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 Chicken Thighs
  • 4 Chicken Drumsticks

Marinade & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Himalayan or Kosher)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon Oregano (Dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Thyme (Dried)
  • Pinch Cayenne Pepper

Optional

  • 2 tbsp Butter (for crispy skin, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the chicken to a perfect crisp.
  2. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, freshly ground black pepper, half of the sweet paprika, turmeric, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
  3. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks into an oven-safe dish such as a casserole or cast-iron skillet, arranging them with skin side up.
  4. Marinate the chicken: Pour the marinade mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, rubbing it on both sides to coat them well. For enhanced flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  5. Add finishing touches before roasting: Sprinkle the remaining half teaspoon of sweet paprika over the chicken to enhance color and flavor.
  6. Roast the chicken: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and roast for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  7. Add butter optionally: About 20 minutes into roasting, optionally place a small pat of butter on each chicken piece to help create a crispier, golden skin. This step can be skipped if preferred.
  8. Rest the chicken: Once the chicken has reached the proper temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for extra moistness before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the flavors.
  • Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly without overcooking.
  • The butter is optional but helps achieve a beautifully crispy skin.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.

Find it online: http://bitezly.com/oven-roasted-chicken-legs-recipe/