Chicken legs are a delicious second course, easy to prepare and suitable for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a lunch with friends. Their juicy and tasty meat, if prepared correctly, can become a real comfort food, especially if enriched with aromatic herbs and baked for a perfect crunchiness. Today I will guide you step by step in the preparation of baked chicken legs, crispy on the outside and very tender on the inside!
Ingredients
For 4 people:
- 8 chicken legs
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (optional for a spicy touch)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Preparation
1. Prepare the chicken legs
Start by cleaning the chicken legs thoroughly. If you prefer, you can remove the skin for a lighter version, but if you want a crispy crust, I recommend leaving it on. Rinse the legs under running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare the marinade
To add flavor to the chicken thighs, we prepare a simple but delicious marinade. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice with the extra virgin olive oil, add the crushed garlic cloves, rosemary, thyme and sweet paprika if you want a little color and a light smoky touch. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or plastic food bag. Pour the marinade over the thighs, making sure they are completely covered. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably a couple of hours. This step will make the meat even more flavorful and tender.
4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken thighs, trying not to overlap them to ensure even cooking. Pour some of the remaining marinade over the top.
5. Cook the chicken
Bake the chicken thighs for about 40-45 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the thighs to ensure they cook evenly and the skin is nice and crispy on both sides. If you want extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes, but be careful not to burn the skin.
6. Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them piping hot, perhaps accompanied by a side of baked potatoes or a fresh mixed salad.
Extra Tips
- Flavor Variations : You can customize the marinade to your liking. If you like strong flavors, you can add chili pepper, mustard or a touch of honey for a sweet and sour taste. If you prefer Mediterranean flavors, try adding black olives and lemon slices in the oven.
- Grilling : If you prefer a summer version, you can also cook the chicken legs on the grill. You will get an irresistible smoky result!
- Leftovers : Leftover chicken thighs are also great cold the next day, perfect for a quick lunch or as a base for a chicken salad.
Conclusion
Baked chicken thighs are a simple and versatile dish that can be customized with different flavors and seasonings. The rich herb marinade and the cooking method that makes them crispy and succulent make this dish a true classic of home cooking. Try it and impress your guests or your family with a delicious and flavorful dish!
Enjoy your meal!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
