These oven-baked chicken legs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! Roasted with potatoes, they make a hearty and delicious meal for everyone.
Honestly, the smell while they bake is heavenly! I love how easy this dish is—just season, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. Perfect for a busy day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Legs: Drumsticks and thighs offer great flavor and moisture. If you’re short on time, try using boneless chicken thighs or breasts, though cooking times will vary.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are fantastic as they cook evenly and stay creamy inside. You can substitute with Yukon Gold or red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for a different taste.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can work. Dried herbs like oregano and thyme can be switched out for mixed Italian herbs or even fresh herbs if available!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Crisp Chicken Skin?
Getting that crispy skin is key for delicious chicken legs! Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before you start baking. This helps to lock in moisture while crisping the skin.
- Do not crowd the baking sheet; space them out for even cooking and crispy edges.
- Broiling at the end is a great trick. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking will also keep it juicy. Just cover it loosely with foil before serving.
Oven Baked Chicken Legs with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 6 chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs)
- 1.5 lbs (about 700 g) baby potatoes or yellow potatoes, cut into wedges
For the Spice Rub:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 35-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at 50-60 minutes to have a delicious, hearty meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you put the chicken and potatoes in!
2. Make the Spice Rub:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful spice rub for the chicken and potatoes.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Add the chicken legs to the bowl with the spice rub. Toss well until all the chicken is evenly coated in the delicious mixture.
4. Prepare the Potatoes:
Next, add the potato wedges to the same bowl (if there’s any spice rub left), and toss them to coat with the olive oil and seasonings. Every piece should be tasty!
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Grab a large baking sheet or an ovenproof dish and arrange the chicken legs and potatoes in a single layer. Giving them some space helps with even cooking and crispiness!
6. Bake the Chicken and Potatoes:
Place it in the oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through (you can check with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F / 74°C) and the potatoes are golden and tender. Flip the potatoes halfway through to get them all crispy.
7. Get Extra Crispy:
If you’d like, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to make the chicken skin extra crispy. Just keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!
9. Enjoy:
Serve hot and enjoy your scrumptious oven-baked chicken legs with delicious, herb-infused roasted potatoes!
This recipe will satisfy everyone at your dinner table, making it perfect for a hearty family meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Skin-On Chicken Breasts Instead of Legs?
Absolutely! Bone-in skin-on chicken breasts will work well; just adjust the cooking time since they may take a bit longer to reach the desired internal temperature. Check them around the 40-minute mark.
What Can I Substitute for the Potatoes?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use sweet potatoes, carrots, or even Brussels sprouts! Just remember that cooking times may vary, so check for tenderness as they roast.
Can I Freeze Leftover Chicken and Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers! Allow them to cool completely, then store in airtight containers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven for the best texture.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken legs in the spice rub overnight can enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it!
