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Baked Chicken Legs

A simple and delicious recipe for tender, juicy baked chicken legs seasoned with a blend of spices and accompanied by flavorful vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken legs
  • 6-8 pieces chicken legs Sturdy cuts that become tender and flavorful when baked.
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste Essential for enhancing the natural flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Enhances flavor with a fragrant blend of herbs.
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika Adds smokiness and rich color.
  • 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch Helps achieve a crispy skin.
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil (divided) Adds richness and assists in roasting.
For the vegetables
  • 1 pound baby potatoes (halved) Soaks up flavors wonderfully.
  • 2 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch slices) Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • 6 cloves garlic (pressed) Brings an unbeatable savory note.
  • 1 cup chicken stock Keeps everything moist during roasting.
  • 2 medium red or sweet onions (peeled and quartered) Caramelizes beautifully to add depth.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels.
  3. Place the chicken legs in a large baking dish.
  4. Season the chicken with Kosher salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and cornstarch. Drizzle half of the olive oil and rub into the chicken.
  5. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the baking dish.
Roasting
  1. Bake the chicken legs for 15 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes and sliced carrots with the remaining olive oil, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. After 15 minutes, add the seasoned baby potatoes and carrots to the baking dish, and pour in the chicken stock.
  4. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes.
  5. For the last 15 minutes, add the quartered onions to the dish.
Serving
  1. Remove from oven and serve straight from the pan.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, consider broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. You can also marinate the chicken legs in spices and olive oil for a few hours or overnight. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables.