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Tender and juicy baked chicken legs, a perfect family meal option

Baked Chicken Legs (Tender & Juicy)

A simple yet satisfying dinner recipe that features tender and juicy chicken legs, combined with vibrant vegetables, creating a wholesome meal perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6-8 pieces Chicken Legs The star of the show, ensuring tender, juicy meat.
  • 1.5 tablespoons Cornstarch Key for keeping the meat juicy and creating a crispy exterior.
  • 4 teaspoons Olive Oil Helps with the browning process.
  • 1 pound Baby Potatoes, halved Provides heartiness; try sweet potatoes for a twist.
  • 2 medium Carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices Offers color and nutrients; can replace with parsnips.
  • 6 cloves Garlic, pressed Infuses incredible flavor.
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock Keeps the meal moist; can use vegetable stock instead.
  • 2 medium Red or Sweet Onions, quartered Sweetens the dish; shallots work too.
Seasonings
  • to taste Kosher Salt and Pepper Essential for flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Can substitute with fresh herbs.
  • 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika Adds warm smoky flavor; regular paprika can be used.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and place them in a large baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle with Kosher salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and cornstarch.
  4. Drizzle half of the olive oil over the chicken and rub everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the baking dish.
Cooking
  1. Bake the chicken legs for 15 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes and sliced carrots with the remaining olive oil, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the seasoned potatoes and carrots to the pan with the chicken and pour in the chicken stock.
  4. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 175°F (79°C).
  5. During the last 15 minutes, add the onion wedges to soften and caramelize.
  6. Serve everything straight from the pan, keeping it rustic and full of flavor.

Notes

For best results, let the chicken marinate for an hour or overnight. For added flavor, drizzle some lemon juice over the finished dish.