Get ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these mouthwatering Caribbean Chicken Legs that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained as a professional chef! This recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress at your next gathering, these Caribbean-inspired chicken legs are about to become your new go-to dish that promises restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and brown sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved and ingredients are well combined.
- Place chicken legs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow marinating container, then pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each leg is thoroughly coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove chicken legs from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken legs with remaining marinade for extra flavor and caramelization.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: For the most intense flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the more the marinade will penetrate the meat.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Caramelization Trick: Brushing the chicken with extra marinade in the last 10 minutes creates a delicious sticky glaze that adds depth to the flavor.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for Once A Month Cooking (OAMC). You can prepare multiple batches and freeze for quick future meals.
- Customize the Heat: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade if you want to kick up the spice level.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with coconut rice or a fresh tropical salad to complete the Caribbean experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 283kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
