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Chicken Legs Recipe Crispy, Juicy, and Easy Enough for Busy Weeknights

Comforting Crispy Chicken Legs

This Chicken Legs Recipe is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with well-balanced spices. Quick, simple, and endlessly satisfying.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 chicken legs about 2 lbs, bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme optional
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh or bottled
  • fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Paper Towels
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and lemon juice.
  3. Toss the chicken legs in the seasoning mixture until well coated. Add extra seasoning on top if desired.
  4. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place chicken legs skin-side up, ensuring they don't touch.
  5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispy skin if desired.
  6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. To make it herb-forward, swap paprika for fresh rosemary. Want BBQ vibes? Brush with sauce in the last 10 minutes of baking.