Baked Chicken Legs with Flavorful Marinade

Baked chicken legs with a flavorful garlic lemon marinade offer juicy, tender meat and crispy skin. This easy chicken leg recipe features a simple marinade made with olive oil, fresh garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, the chicken is marinated for hours and baked to golden perfection. Serve with roasted vegetables or your favorite side dishes for a satisfying protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs chicken legs or drumsticks (14 count)
• 1/4 cup light olive oil (not extra virgin)
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper until fully blended.
2. Place the chicken legs in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, tossing with your hands to coat evenly. Push some marinade under the skin of each piece for deeper flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight, turning once halfway through.
3. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat. Remove chicken from the marinade and arrange skin-side-down on the baking sheet. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature while the oven preheats.
4. Brush any remaining marinade onto the chicken legs. Bake skin-side-down in the center of the oven for 25 minutes.
5. Flip the chicken legs skin-side-up and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
6. For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the skin is nicely browned and crisp.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, tender chicken legs with a well-balanced, tangy marinade.
• Crispy skin that adds satisfying texture to every bite.
• Simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Tips

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
• Use light olive oil to avoid bitterness and keep the marinade smooth.
• Let chicken come to room temperature before baking to promote even cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap parsley for cilantro or basil for a different herbal note.
• Substitute lemon juice with lime juice or apple cider vinegar.
• Add smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky or spicy twist.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
Yes, bone-in thighs work well with this marinade and cooking method. Adjust baking time as needed.

How long can I marinate chicken legs?
Marinate between 6 hours to overnight. Avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent texture changes.

Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze chicken in marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
• Add a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to complete the plate.