Are you tired of the same old boring chicken leg recipes? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 mouth-watering and easy-to-make chicken leg recipes that will take your dinner game to the next level. From classic comfort foods to international flavors, these recipes are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re a busy home cook or a seasoned chef, our collection of chicken leg recipes has something for everyone. With ingredients ranging from pantry staples like garlic and butter to more exotic options like pineapple and five-spice powder, there’s no shortage of flavor in these dishes.
In this article, we’ll be diving into each of the 20 recipes, highlighting their unique flavors, textures, and cooking methods. From classic baked chicken legs to crispy fried and grilled options, our list has something for every taste and preference. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on this culinary journey and discover a world of delicious possibilities!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Legs
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter with the comfort of baked chicken legs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and thyme until well combined.
3. Season chicken legs with salt and pepper.
4. Place chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each chicken leg.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Legs
A sweet and savory twist on traditional glazed chicken, this recipe combines the flavors of honey and soy sauce to create a sticky and delicious glaze for tender chicken legs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.
3. Place chicken legs in a shallow dish and brush the glaze all over them.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic and ginger.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through and caramelized.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this easy recipe that yields crispy, flavorful legs without the hassle of deep-frying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each chicken leg into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush chicken legs with vegetable oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy BBQ Grilled Chicken Legs
Elevate your backyard barbecue game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the sweetness of BBQ sauce with a kick of heat. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/4 cup Spicy BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Spicy BBQ Sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken legs.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Legs
Brighten up your mealtime with this zesty and aromatic recipe that combines the flavors of lemon, herbs, and roasted chicken legs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken legs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange chicken legs on the sheet.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Legs with Pineapple
This Asian-inspired recipe combines tender chicken legs with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection and served with caramelized pineapple rings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ripe pineapple, sliced into rings
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of chicken legs with the teriyaki mixture.
4. Grill chicken legs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, brush pineapple rings with remaining teriyaki mixture and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
6. Serve grilled chicken legs with pineapple rings and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Paprika Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this simple and savory recipe, where smoky paprika adds a depth of flavor that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, these Smoky Paprika Chicken Legs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken legs in a large bowl and toss with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and massage until well combined.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange the chicken legs in a single layer.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken legs with a savory mushroom cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken legs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve the creamy mushroom sauce over the baked chicken legs. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Maple Dijon Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, these maple dijon chicken legs are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken legs in a large bowl and brush the maple dijon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange chicken legs in a single layer.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through and skin is crispy.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Legs
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the islands with this easy and aromatic recipe for Jamaican Jerk Chicken Legs. With a blend of spices, herbs, and a hint of sweetness, these legs are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 1/2 cup jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place chicken legs in a large bowl and brush the jerk mixture evenly over both sides of the legs.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sticky Asian Chicken Legs
This recipe is a sweet and savory twist on traditional chicken legs, with a sticky glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and ginger. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken legs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the glaze over the chicken, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Remove from refrigerator and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines crispy parmesan crust with juicy chicken legs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
4. Dip each chicken leg into the egg, coating completely, then roll in breadcrumb mixture to coat. Place on a plate or tray.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, golden brown, and crispy.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Legs
A flavorful and tender marinade brings out the best in chicken legs, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. This simple recipe requires minimal effort but yields impressive results.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and dried oregano until smooth.
2. Add chicken legs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 12 hours).
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear.
5. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Legs
Elevate your meal with this sweet and tangy balsamic glaze on chicken legs, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, resulting in a flavorful and juicy dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and honey until well combined.
3. Place chicken legs in a large bowl and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cajun Spiced Chicken Legs
Add some heat to your meal with this simple recipe that combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with tender chicken legs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning blend, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle the Cajun spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken legs.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken legs to keep them moist.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herb and Garlic Grilled Chicken Legs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the brightness of herbs and pungency of garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ, these tender and juicy chicken legs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken legs.
4. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on during the last minute of cooking.
6. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Chili Lime Chicken Legs
Add a burst of flavor to your chicken legs with this sweet and spicy recipe that combines the sweetness of chili glaze with the brightness of lime. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken legs in a shallow dish and brush with the chili-lime glaze.
4. Sprinkle cumin, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Grill or bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rosemary and Thyme Roasted Chicken Legs
Elevate your mealtime with this aromatic and flavorful recipe that combines the pungency of rosemary and thyme with the tender juiciness of roasted chicken legs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped rosemary, and dried thyme.
3. Season the chicken legs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the herb mixture evenly over the chicken legs, making sure they’re fully coated.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, browning slightly.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Legs
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this easy and mouth-watering recipe for Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Legs. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying crispy, savory chicken in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the chicken legs with olive oil and sprinkle both sides with the garlic mixture.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken legs.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Five-Spice Chicken Legs with Honey Glaze
This recipe combines the warm, aromatic flavors of five-spice powder with a sweet and sticky honey glaze, resulting in succulent chicken legs that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tbsp five-spice powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together five-spice powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken legs, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. While the chicken is baking, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
7. After the chicken has baked for 20 minutes, brush the honey glaze all over the legs.
8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these 20 mouthwatering chicken legs recipes! From classic garlic butter to sweet and sticky teriyaki, there’s something for everyone. Try crispy oven-fried or smoky paprika grilled, or go bold with spicy BBQ or Jamaican jerk seasoning. For a twist, try lemon herb roasted or parmesan crusted, or indulge in creamy mushroom or maple dijon flavors. Whatever your taste buds desire, this collection has got you covered for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
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