Do Share Recipe

The Best Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs Recipe

I am still amazed at how simple yet delicious this lemon garlic chicken turned out. The prep is incredibly fast, and everything happens in one pan, which means fewer dishes for me to wash later.

The chicken comes out of the oven perfectly golden, with the bright flavors of lemon and garlic infused into every bite. It’s a definite keeper in my house. If you enjoy this, you might also like to explore our guide on making a Grilled Vegetable Wraps with Hummus Recipe.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs Recipe

The Perfect Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you’ll need to achieve that perfect balance of zest and savory goodness.

12 chicken legs (skin on) – Using skin-on legs ensures the meat stays moist and the skin gets wonderfully crispy.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) – Melted butter adds richness and helps brown the chicken skin.
2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and promotes even cooking.
2 teaspoons dried oregano – Adds a classic, earthy Mediterranean flavor that pairs well with lemon.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Provides a subtle smoky depth and beautiful color to the finished dish.
4 cloves garlic (minced) – Freshly minced garlic is key for a potent, aromatic flavor.
2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the marinade its signature bright, zesty kick.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
1 lemon (sliced) – Tucking lemon slices between the chicken pieces infuses more citrus flavor as it roasts.
Fresh thyme (for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh thyme at the end adds a final touch of freshness and aroma.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, with two chicken legs per person.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large Ziploc Bag: Perfect for marinating the chicken without making a mess.
Large Casserole Dish: Provides enough space for the chicken to roast evenly without overcrowding.
Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs

Creating this dish is incredibly straightforward. The process involves a simple marinade, a quick bake, and results in a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First, combine the chicken legs, melted butter, olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large ziploc bag. Seal the bag tightly and toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. This method is fantastic because it minimizes cleanup.

Step 2: Let the Flavors Mingle

Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for a few hours or even overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in an even more delicious final product.

Step 3: Prepare for Roasting

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy skin and juicy interior. Arrange the marinated chicken legs in a single layer in a large casserole dish, making sure they aren’t too crowded.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Tuck the fresh lemon slices in between the chicken legs in the dish. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 180-185°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh thyme and serving warm.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from great to absolutely perfect.

Marinate Longer: I can’t stress this enough. If you have the time, let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours. The difference in flavor is remarkable.
Pat the Chicken Dry: Before putting the chicken in the marinade, I always pat the skin completely dry with paper towels. This little step helps the skin get extra crispy in the oven.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried oregano works well, using fresh oregano and thyme in the marinade adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Broil for Extra Crispiness: If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like after baking, I pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

Variations to Try

This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also easy to customize. If you’re looking for new dinner recipes, try one of these simple variations.

Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
Herbaceous Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or parsley along with the other herbs.
Dairy-Free Option: Simply substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Different Chicken Cuts: This marinade works wonderfully on chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut and whether it’s bone-in or boneless.

Serving Ideas

Presentation can make a simple meal feel special. Here are a few ideas to make your chicken dinner look as good as it tastes.

Serve the chicken on a large platter over a bed of couscous or quinoa.
Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
For dessert, a light and refreshing option like our Mini Taco Cupcakes with Zesty Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe would be a perfect complement to the savory chicken.

Calories Count

Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving (2 chicken legs):

Calories: 361kcal
Protein: 27g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Sodium: 159mg
Potassium: 378mg

How to Store

Properly storing your leftovers ensures they stay fresh and delicious.

Refrigerating: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 4 months.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to help the skin crisp up again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to add this dish to your regular meal rotation.

Incredibly Easy: With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a vibrant, delicious taste.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in a single dish, saving you time on cleanup.
Versatile and Customizable: It’s easy to adapt with different herbs, spices, or cuts of chicken.

Is It Better to Use Chicken Legs or Thighs?

Both chicken legs and thighs are excellent choices for this recipe, as they are dark meat cuts that tend to be juicier and more flavorful than white meat. Chicken legs are fun to eat and great for picnics, while thighs offer a slightly higher meat-to-bone ratio.

Feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand. The marinade complements both beautifully, so you can’t go wrong. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you use a different cut.

Ben Carraoli