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Homemade Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs recipe photo

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs

This Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs recipe is packed with zesty flavor and is super easy to make—perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 12 legs chicken (skin on)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Cooking Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
    Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken legs start cooking immediately when they hit the oven, promoting a crispy skin.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This fragrant mixture will be the base for your delicious roasted chicken legs.
  3. Step 3: Coat the Chicken
    Add the chicken legs to the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands or tongs, make sure each leg is thoroughly coated in the mixture. The butter and oil will help the herbs and spices stick beautifully to the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
    Place the coated chicken legs on a large baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly. This will help them cook uniformly and crisp up nicely. Scatter the lemon slices around the chicken for added flavor.
  5. Step 5: Roast in the Oven
    Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken legs for 35-45 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Halfway through cooking, you can baste the chicken with the pan juices for extra flavor.
  6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve
    Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme before serving. The vibrant colors and aromas will be hard to resist!

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels before marinating them.
  • Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley for a unique twist.
  • If you love garlic, don't hesitate to add more cloves—garlic lovers rejoice!