Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly roasted chicken legs, where crispy golden skin meets zesty lemon and aromatic garlic in a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. This Roasted Lemon Chicken Legs recipe is not just another dinner—it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both impressive and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. This helps remove excess moisture and promotes better browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place chicken legs in a large mixing bowl and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands to thoroughly coat each chicken leg, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange the marinated chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to allow for even roasting.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken legs for extra flavor.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon wedges before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken legs completely dry before marinating to ensure the crispiest skin possible. Moisture is the enemy of crispy roasting!
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Leaving space between chicken legs allows hot air to circulate, promoting even cooking and beautiful browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, but avoid overcooking to keep the meat juicy.
- Let the chicken rest after roasting. This crucial 5-10 minute resting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade, or sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 292kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
