Looking for a simple yet tasty dinner option that will make your taste buds dance? Look no further than these Baked Lemon Parsley Chicken Legs!
Bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to whip up, this dish is the ultimate stress-free dinner solution for any busy night. Imagine tender chicken legs infused with zesty lemon and aromatic parsley, baked to golden perfection.
It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together around the table without any hassle in the kitchen. So, if you’re craving a dish that’s both delicious and hassle-free, give this baked lemon parsley chicken legs recipe a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
- Chicken Drumsticks
- Lemon Zest
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Red Onion
- Parsley
- Kosher Salt
- Roasted Garlic Caribbean Seasoning
- Black Pepper
How To Make Baked Lemon Parsley Chicken Legs
Marinate the chicken:
- To make sure the marinade sticks to the chicken thighs, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- Mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, red onion, parsley, kosher salt, roasted garlic, Caribbean seasoning, and black pepper in a large bowl until combined. Place the chicken drumsticks into the marinade and toss to coat them in the marinade.
- Cover the chicken thighs and let them marinate for 2-3 hours.
Baking the chicken drumsticks:
- Take the chicken drumsticks out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature so they cook evenly. Set your oven to 375°F, then let it preheat.
- Arrange the chicken drumsticks in a large baking dish and bake them for 1 hour, checking periodically to ensure they don’t burn.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips For Making Baked Lemon Parsley Chicken Legs
- You do not have to add the marinade to the chicken legs. You can drain them, place them in the baking dish, and roast them until golden brown. Flip the drumsticks over after 30 minutes to ensure they brown on both sides.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a stronger lemon flavor.
- Check on your chicken periodically to ensure the garlic, onions, and herbs do not burn. If the herbs, garlic, and onions start to burn, decrease the oven’s temperature by 25 degrees.
Baked Lemon Parsley Chicken Legs Variations
While these lemon parsley chicken legs are delicious, there are many ways you can customize this recipe.
- Greek: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary to the marinade instead of the parsley.
- Cajun: Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning instead of parsley to give the chicken a spicy kick.
- Chili Lime: Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder, the zest of a lime, and the juice of 2 limes instead of lemon juice.
How To Serve Baked Lemon Parsley Chicken Legs
Serve these juicy chicken legs with your favorite side dishes. I served them white rice. However, you can serve the baked chicken legs with any of these side dishes:
- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Creamy Gluten-Free Salad
- Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Zesty Quinoa Zucchini Lime Salad
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover lemon parsley chicken legs in the fridge or freezer. However, make sure the chicken legs are cooled before placing them in the fridge or freezer.
To store baked chicken legs in the fridge, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To store the chicken legs in the freezer, place them in an airtight container. Freeze the chicken legs for up to 4 months. Let the chicken legs thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating them.
Should I Cover Drumsticks In The Oven
Covering the baked lemon parsley chicken legs is optional. If you do cover them, the chicken will steam instead of become crispy. To prevent the baked lemon parsley chicken legs from steaming, you can cover the chicken legs with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking time. Remove the foil and bake chicken legs uncovered for 30-40 minutes. If you use this method, you may have to drain some of the cooking liquid so they develop a crispy texture.
Can You Overcook Drumsticks?
Chicken drumsticks are juicy, but you can overcook them, So keep an eye on them while they are in the oven.
Can Drumsticks Be A Little Pink?
Color is not a reliable way to test whether chicken drumsticks are done cooking. Fully cooked chicken legs can have a white, tan, or pink color. This is why you should pay attention to the temperature, not the color. Chicken drumsticks are cooked when they have an internal temperature of 165°F.