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Baked Chicken Legs with Lemon-Garlic Marinade Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

This recipe features tender and flavorful baked chicken legs marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic, fresh parsley, lemon juice, dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. The marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors, and baking at a high temperature ensures juicy meat with crispy skin. Perfect for a hearty family meal or meal prep, these chicken legs are easy to prepare and deliver delicious results.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 60 minutes
  • Yield: 14 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 lbs 14-count Chicken Legs or drumsticks
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (use light olive oil, not extra virgin)
  • 4 garlic cloves (pressed or minced)
  • 4 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 2 Tbsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir or whisk together until the marinade is well blended and smooth.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken legs in a large mixing bowl or a large zip-top plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and use your hands to toss and evenly coat each piece. Gently push some marinade under the skin of each chicken leg to deepen the flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight, tossing once during marination for even flavor distribution.
  3. Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400˚F (204˚C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or a silpat mat for easy cleanup.
  4. Arrange the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange the legs skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Allow them to come to room temperature while the oven preheats. Brush any remaining marinade over the chicken for extra flavor.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake the chicken legs for 25 minutes skin-side down. Then carefully flip the chicken legs skin-side up and bake for an additional 25 minutes. For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning, until the skins are golden brown and crisp.
  6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful chicken legs with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use light olive oil instead of extra virgin for a milder flavor in the marinade.
  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, allowing the marinade to penetrate deeply.
  • Broiling at the end helps achieve extra crispy skin but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/baked-chicken-legs-with-lemon-garlic-marinade-recipe/