Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing main course that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than baked chicken legs! Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or just need a quick and healthy meal solution, these 18 mouth-watering recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. From classic comfort food flavors to international twists and spicy kickers, we’ve got the perfect baked chicken leg recipe for every occasion.
Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Legs, Honey Mustard Glazed Baked Chicken Legs, Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Legs – the list goes on! Which one will you try first? Stay tuned for our comprehensive guide to baking chicken legs and get ready to impress your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of recipes that are sure to become new family favorites.
Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Legs
Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Legs Recipe
A flavorful twist on traditional baked chicken legs, this recipe combines the savory taste of garlic and herbs with a crispy outside.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme.
3. Place chicken legs in a baking dish and brush the garlic-herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Honey Mustard Glazed Baked Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this easy-to-make, sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon 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 honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken legs in a shallow baking dish lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the honey-mustard glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken legs.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Legs
Treat your family to a flavorful and aromatic dinner with this simple recipe for Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Legs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried lemon zest
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken legs and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, black pepper, and lemon zest.
4. Place the chicken legs in a shallow baking dish and brush them evenly with the lemon mixture.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken legs and sprinkle with salt (if using).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping the chicken halfway.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Cajun Baked Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this bold and spicy Cajun-inspired baked chicken legs recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these flavorful legs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Place chicken legs in a shallow baking dish and brush the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
BBQ Baked Chicken Legs
Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich flavors of BBQ sauce with the tender juiciness of baked chicken legs. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken legs under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken legs.
5. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. During the last 10 minutes, brush the BBQ sauce evenly onto the chicken legs.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes
Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken Legs
A flavorful and crispy twist on traditional baked chicken legs, this recipe combines the richness of Parmesan cheese with the savory goodness of garlic and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 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 Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange chicken legs in a single layer.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over each leg.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy on the outside.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Glazed Baked Chicken Legs
Sweet and sticky maple glaze elevates the flavor of tender baked chicken legs. A perfect combination for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the maple glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken legs.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Flip chicken halfway through cooking time.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Baked Chicken Legs
Elevate your baked chicken game with this sweet and savory Teriyaki-inspired recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be rewarded with juicy, flavorful legs that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken legs
– 1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange chicken legs in a single layer.
4. Brush the Teriyaki mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken legs.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Rosemary and Thyme Baked Chicken Legs
Elevate your weeknight dinner with the aromatic flavors of rosemary and thyme. This simple recipe yields crispy, juicy chicken legs that are perfect for a family meal or gathering.
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 your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken legs under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped rosemary, and dried thyme.
4. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each leg.
5. Brush the herb mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken legs.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Buffalo Style Baked Chicken Legs
A classic twist on traditional chicken wings, these Buffalo-style baked chicken legs are a flavorful and spicy treat.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Frank’s RedHot sauce and melted butter.
3. Add vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture; whisk until smooth.
4. Place chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the Buffalo sauce mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken legs.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Curry Spiced Baked Chicken Legs
Elevate your snack game with these aromatic and flavorful chicken legs, perfect for a quick and easy dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken legs in a shallow baking dish and brush the curry mixture evenly over both sides of the legs.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
5. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Herb Butter Baked Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken legs game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of butter, the zest of herbs, and the comfort of baking.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, parsley, thyme, and garlic until well combined.
3. Season the chicken legs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread the herb butter mixture evenly over each chicken leg.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Paprika Baked Chicken Legs
A sweet and smoky twist on traditional baked chicken legs, this recipe combines the richness of paprika with a hint of honey and brown sugar. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the chicken legs in a large baking dish and brush the paprika mixture evenly over both legs.
4. Drizzle honey and brown sugar over the top of each leg.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Citrus Marinated Baked Chicken Legs
Citrus Marinated Baked Chicken Legs Recipe
Elevate your baked chicken game with this refreshing citrus marinade, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 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 large bowl, whisk together orange and lemon juices, garlic, olive oil, and oregano.
3. Add chicken legs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange chicken legs in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Asian Style Soy Ginger Baked Chicken Legs
This recipe combines the savory flavors of soy sauce and ginger with the comfort of baked chicken legs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stress-free Sunday afternoon.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, honey, sesame oil, and garlic powder.
3. Place the chicken legs in a large baking dish and brush the soy mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Greek Inspired Baked Chicken Legs
Succulent chicken legs infused with the bold flavors of Greece, perfect for a family dinner or game day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange the chicken legs in a single layer.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
6. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top of the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Chili Baked Chicken Legs
Add a sweet and tangy twist to your chicken legs with this easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 2 tablespoons chili flakes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, ketchup, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the sweet chili mixture.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with olive oil. Arrange the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Classic Southern Fried Baked Chicken Legs
A Southern favorite gets a crispy twist! These baked chicken legs are seasoned with classic spices and coated in a crunchy breading, resulting in a finger-lickin’ good meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– Vegetable oil for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each chicken leg into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
5. Place coated chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Grease with vegetable oil.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your baked chicken game with these 18 mouth-watering recipes! From classic flavors like Garlic Herb and Lemon Pepper, to spicy twists like Spicy Cajun and Buffalo Style, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for a special occasion, this collection has got you covered. Try Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Legs for a sweet and tangy treat, or Parmesan Crusted Chicken Legs for a crispy Italian-inspired delight. Whatever your craving, these baked chicken leg recipes are sure to please!