Crispy, Juicy and Flavorful: 10 Finger-Licking Good Recipes for Chicken Legs
Do you crave for chicken legs that are crispy, juicy and flavorful? If yes, you have come to the right place as we have gathered 10 finger-licking good recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you prefer them fried, baked or grilled, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Imagine biting into a piece of chicken that is coated in a crispy, golden crust and reveals tender, juicy meat inside. Sounds delicious, right? Our recipes are not only easy to make but also use simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Plus, they are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a summer barbecue.
If you want to impress your guests with your cooking skills, these chicken leg recipes will surely do the trick. From Cajun-inspired flavors to zesty lemon pepper seasoning, there is something for every taste bud. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to indulge in some mouth-watering chicken legs that are sure to be a hit!
Don't settle for boring chicken legs that lack flavor and texture. Try our recipes and discover a whole new world of deliciousness. So grab your apron and get cooking! Your taste buds (and your stomach) will thank you for it.
Crispy, Juicy and Flavorful: 10 Finger-Licking Good Recipes for Chicken Legs
Chicken is one of the most versatile meats out there. It's also one of the easiest to cook. But when it comes to chicken legs, many people struggle to get that perfect balance between crispy skin and juicy meat. Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are 10 finger-licking good recipes that will blow your mind and taste buds!
1. Classic Fried Chicken Legs
This recipe will take you back to the good old days of traditional southern-style fried chicken. You will need:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour buttermilk into another bowl.
- Dip chicken legs in the flour mixture, then dip them in the buttermilk, and finally, back in the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken legs for about 8-10 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 421
- Total fat: 24.6g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
- Sodium: 534mg
- Total carbohydrates: 19.5g
- Dietary fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 29.7g
2. Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken Legs
If you're looking for a healthier option, this is the recipe for you. You will need:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken legs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal the bag and toss it around to coat the chicken legs evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- Heat a grill to medium heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
- Grill chicken for about 8-10 minutes per side, until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 363
- Total fat: 24.2g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
- Sodium: 187mg
- Total carbohydrates: 3.4g
- Dietary fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 2.4g
- Protein: 32.6g
3. Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. You will need:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season chicken legs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place chicken legs in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken legs from the slow cooker and put them on a baking sheet.
- Brush with some of the BBQ sauce mixture from the slow cooker.
- Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, until crispy and caramelized.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 418
- Total fat: 17.3g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
- Sodium: 1103mg
- Total carbohydrates: 43.9g
- Dietary fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 37.8g
- Protein: 27.5g
4. Garlic-Herb Roasted Chicken Legs
This recipe is all about simple flavors that pack a punch. You will need:
- 4 chicken legs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken legs in a baking dish and pour the garlic-herb mixture over them.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken legs to coat them evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 475
- Total fat: 36.7g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Protein: 31.6g
5. Crispy Baked Chicken Legs with Lemon-Garlic Butter
This recipe gives you all the crispy goodness of fried chicken without any of the guilt. You will need:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Season chicken legs with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge chicken legs in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Place chicken legs on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add garlic, lemon juice, and parsley and stir to combine.
- Brush the lemon-garlic butter over the chicken legs and serve.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 742
- Total fat: 60.3g
- Cholesterol: 236mg
- Sodium: 256mg
- Total carbohydrates: 23.6g
- Dietary fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Protein: 28.7g
6. Herbed Chicken Legs with Roasted Root Vegetables
This recipe is a complete meal in one dish, packed with flavor and nutrition. You will need:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1 lb parsnips
- 1 lb turnips
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken legs with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
- In a large bowl, mix together root vegetables, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread vegetables evenly in a roasting pan.
- Nestle chicken legs among the vegetables.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 473
- Total fat: 19.5g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
- Sodium: 241mg
- Total carbohydrates: 40.4g
- Dietary fiber: 12.2g
- Sugar: 17.7g
- Protein: 30.9g
7. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Legs
This recipe is sweet, tangy, and irresistible. You will need:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Season chicken legs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Brush the honey mustard glaze over the chicken legs to coat them evenly.
- Place chicken legs in a baking dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 337
- Total fat: 12.9g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
- Sodium: 444mg
- Total carbohydrates: 30.6g
- Dietary fiber: 0.3g
- What is the best way to cook chicken legs?
- How long should I cook chicken legs in the oven?
- What seasonings go well with chicken legs?
- Can I grill chicken legs instead of baking them?
- What sides can I serve with chicken legs?
- Crispy Baked Chicken Legs: Coat chicken legs in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices before baking in the oven for 45 minutes.
- Spicy Grilled Chicken Legs: Marinade chicken legs in a mixture of hot sauce, garlic, and honey before grilling until crispy and charred.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs: Rub chicken legs with lemon zest and black pepper before baking in the oven for 40 minutes.
- Teriyaki Chicken Legs: Marinate chicken legs in teriyaki sauce and grill until juicy and tender.
- BBQ Chicken Legs: Brush chicken legs with your favorite BBQ sauce and bake in the oven for 50 minutes.
- Garlic Herb Chicken Legs: Rub chicken legs with a mixture of garlic, rosemary, and thyme before baking in the oven for 45 minutes.
- Honey Mustard Chicken Legs: Mix together honey, mustard, and spices before coating chicken legs and baking in the oven for 40 minutes.
- Mediterranean Chicken Legs: Marinate chicken legs in a mixture of lemon juice, oregano, and olive oil before grilling until crispy and golden brown.
- Sweet and Spicy Chicken Legs: Mix together brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and paprika before coating chicken legs and baking in the oven for 45 minutes.
- Cajun Chicken Legs: Rub chicken legs with Cajun seasoning before grilling until crispy and flavorful.
Thank you for taking the time to explore these 10 finger-licking good recipes for chicken legs! We hope this article has inspired you to try out some new flavors and spices in your cooking routine. Chicken legs are a versatile and delicious protein, and with the right seasonings and cooking techniques, they can be elevated from a mundane weeknight dinner to a gourmet feast.
Whether you prefer sweet and savory flavors, bold and spicy notes, or a classic BBQ taste, there is a recipe on this list that will suit your taste buds. From Honey Mustard Glazed Drumsticks to Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs, each dish offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy your palate.
We encourage you to experiment with these recipes and make them your own by adding your favorite herbs and spices or swapping out ingredients to meet your dietary needs. Cooking should be a fun and creative experience, and we hope these recipes inspire you to get inventive in the kitchen.
Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Do you want to add some excitement to your meals? Look no further than these 10 finger-licking good recipes for chicken legs that are crispy, juicy, and flavorful.
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These 10 recipes are sure to add some excitement to your meals and leave you with finger-licking good chicken legs. Try them out today!