Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs Recipe

Ben Carraoli

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.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1 5

Total Time 1 15

Servings: 1

Course: Dinner

Calories: 361

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

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.

Method

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.
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.
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.
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.