how to cook chicken legs in the oven

Question

Baking chicken legs in the oven is a simple and delicious way to prepare this versatile cut.

Answer 1

Here's a basic guide:

Ingredients:

• Chicken legs (bone-in, skin-on)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Seasonings of your choice (optional, see tips below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Aim for a medium-high heat, around 425°F (220°C).

2. Prep the chicken legs: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to help ensure crispier skin. Season them generously with salt and pepper.

3. Add flavor: You can simply stick with salt and pepper for a classic flavor, or get creative with other seasonings. Here are some ideas:

   • Italian: Dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, paprika
   • Cajun: Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper (be mindful of spice level)
   • Lemon Herb: Lemon pepper seasoning, dried thyme, rosemary
   • BBQ: Smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder

   For these flavored options, you can either coat the chicken legs with the seasonings directly or toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and the spices.

4. Arrange on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Spread the chicken legs out in a single layer on the prepared sheet, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.

5. Bake the chicken legs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Broil for extra crisp (optional): If you prefer crispier skin, you can broil the chicken legs for the last minute or two of cooking. Keep a close eye on them under the broiler to avoid burning.

7. Rest and serve: Once cooked through, take the chicken legs out of the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful and tender result.

Tips:

• You can add chopped vegetables like potatoes, onions, or carrots to the baking sheet along with the chicken for a complete roasted chicken and veggies meal. Toss the vegetables with olive oil and seasonings before placing them around the chicken.
• For extra juicy chicken legs, you can tent them loosely with foil halfway through baking.
• Leftover baked chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days