Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that promises both simplicity and flavor? Look no further than these mouthwatering Roasted Whole Chicken Legs! Perfectly seasoned and roasted to golden perfection, this recipe will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a heavenly aroma filling your kitchen, you'll discover how easy it is to create a satisfying meal that feels gourmet. Dive into this article to unlock the secrets to crispy skin and juicy meat that will make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Remove chicken legs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken legs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken legs, making sure to coat them completely and get under the skin where possible.
- Place the seasoned chicken legs on a rimmed baking sheet or in a roasting pan, skin side up, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, which allows juices to redistribute and ensures moist meat.
- Garnish with fresh chopped rosemary before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your perfectly roasted chicken legs with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Take your chicken legs out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps them cook evenly, resulting in perfectly tender meat.
- Dry for Crispiness: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that desirable crispy skin.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Make sure to rub the olive oil and spice mixture under the skin and all over the chicken legs for maximum flavor.
- Space is Key: When placing the chicken legs on the baking sheet, ensure they are spaced apart. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which affects the crispiness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the leg.
- Let It Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh rosemary not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor.With these tips in hand, you're ready to create a roasted chicken dish that will impress everyone at your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
