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Baked Chicken Legs with Lemon-Garlic Parsley Marinade Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

Deliciously tender and flavorful baked chicken legs marinated in a zesty mixture of olive oil, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and dijon mustard. This easy recipe ensures juicy meat with crispy skin, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 65 minutes
  • Yield: 14 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 lbs 14 count Chicken Legs or drumsticks

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup olive oil (Use light 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 parsley, lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir or whisk together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken legs into a large mixing bowl or a large ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and use your hands to toss the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Push some marinade under the skin of each leg for deeper flavor. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight, tossing once during marination for even flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or a silpat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  4. Arrange chicken and bake, skin-side down: Arrange the marinated chicken legs skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature while the oven heats. Brush any remaining marinade over the chicken. Bake in the center of the oven for 25 minutes.
  5. Turn chicken and continue baking, skin-side up: After 25 minutes, carefully flip each chicken leg over so the skin side is up. Bake for an additional 25 minutes to ensure the skin crisps up and the meat is fully cooked through.
  6. Optional broiling for crispier skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken on high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the skin is golden and browned.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
  • Using light olive oil prevents a strong olive taste, allowing the marinade herbs and lemon to shine.
  • Ensure the chicken legs come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
  • Broiling at the end crisps up the skin nicely but watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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