Crispy Pubstyle Chicken Legs with Rosemary Garlic
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper pub style chicken , but better? Are you looking for the best chicken legs recipe ever? You're in the right place! Get ready for incredibly juicy, crispy chicken legs packed with flavour.
Brief Overview
This recipe takes inspiration from classic British pub fare. It adds a gourmet twist. We're talking easy cooking, taking only about an hour. It serves four hungry people.
Main Benefits
This chicken drumsticks recipe offers high protein and low carbs. It's a winner for family dinners or casual gatherings. The taste is what makes these roasted chicken legs truly special: rosemary garlic chicken perfection!
Why These Chicken Legs Are Special
Honestly, I've made so many easy chicken recipes . This one is a keeper. The chicken leg marinade makes all the difference.
It's a perfect balance of herby, garlicky goodness. The garlic herb chicken aroma alone will make your mouth water.
Achieving That Perfect Crispy Skin
Oh my gosh, getting that crispy skin chicken legs texture is key. I've learned the hard way! Make sure those chicken legs are completely dry before they go into the oven.
Oven Baked Chicken Legs: The Easy Way
Preheat your oven to 200° C. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Roast for 40- 50 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
It should be 74° C in the thickest part. Serve and enjoy your crispy chicken legs !
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make these awesome crispy chicken legs . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.
I had to buy rosemary, but that's because my cat keeps eating mine.
Main Ingredients for Legendary Chicken
Here's the lowdown on what you need. We're making garlic herb chicken that everyone will love.
- Chicken Legs : You'll want 8 chicken legs (about 2.5 lbs or 1.1 kg ). Skin on, bone-in is the way to go. Look for legs that are plump and have good colour not pale or bruised. This helps ensure juicy meat.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) .
- Lemon: 1 large . We're using both the zest and juice.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is best.
- Rosemary: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh, or 2 teaspoons dried.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet. I prefer smoked, it's so good.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
Seasoning Notes That Will Make You Sing
Seasoning is key for proper pub style chicken . My secret? Don't be afraid to experiment.
Essential: Garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. It's the foundation. Smoked paprika adds depth. Thyme brings a little earthy touch. Want a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne.
No rosemary? Italian seasoning works in a pinch, but rosemary garlic chicken is really something special!
Equipment Needed for Cooking
You don't need fancy gear for these roasted chicken legs .
- Large Mixing Bowl: For the marinade.
- Baking Sheet: Or roasting pan.
- Wire Rack: (Optional) But I highly recommend it. It helps the crispy skin chicken legs get super crispy. Elevate the chicken drumsticks recipe to another level.
- Meat Thermometer: This is essential. Get the chicken up to a temperature of 165° F ( 74° C)
That's it! Simple, right? I remember the first time I made this. I didn't have a wire rack. The bottoms were a bit soggy.
Trust me, the rack makes a world of difference. Now go make some easy chicken recipes !
Cooking Method: Pub-Style Chicken Legs
Forget boring weeknight dinners! Today, we're tackling crispy chicken legs , the kinda food you'd find in a proper British pub.
Think succulent meat, crackling skin, and that oomph of flavour. Honestly, you'll be making these every week. Who doesn't love easy chicken recipes , and especially crispy skin chicken legs ?
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks (and Chicken) in a Row
Essential mise en place is key, mate. Finely chop fresh rosemary and garlic. Zest and juice a lemon. Measure out your spices.
Get 8 lovely chicken legs ready. Don't forget to pat them dry with paper towels; that's essential for crispy chicken legs !
Time saving tip? Marinate your chicken legs the night before. Just bung everything in a bag and let the flavours mingle.
Safety first though. Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Honestly, it's just good sense.
step-by-step Process: From Raw to Roast
- Make the chicken leg marinade : Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate those chicken drumsticks : Toss the chicken in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours. More time equals more flavour in this garlic herb chicken dish!
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. This helps with crispy skin chicken legs .
- Arrange your marinated chicken legs on the rack. Don't overcrowd them. Nobody likes soggy chicken. Space them out.
- Roast for 40- 50 minutes . The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Flip halfway through for even browning.
- For the ultimate crispy chicken legs , broil for the last 2- 3 minutes . Watch like a hawk to avoid burning. It can happen so fast!
- Rest the roasted chicken legs for 5- 10 minutes. Then, serve this pub style chicken !
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Chicken Game
My trick for seriously crispy chicken legs ? Pat them dry with paper towels before marinating, then leave them uncovered in the fridge for an hour to dry out even more!
The biggest mistake people make? Overcrowding the pan. This steams the chicken instead of roasting it. No one wants steamed chicken.
You can make the marinade a day or two ahead. Trust me, a good chicken leg marinade makes all the difference! And honestly, this simple rosemary garlic chicken recipe is a game changer.
It's one of those reliable easy chicken recipes that's always a hit. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Hey there, fellow foodies! Before you dive headfirst into this crispy chicken legs recipe, let's chat about a few little secrets to make your Oven baked chicken legs absolutely divine .
Think of these as my little whispers of wisdom, gleaned from many, many batches of Garlic herb chicken . Honestly, I've probably roasted more Chicken drumsticks recipe than I care to admit.
Serving Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got these beautiful Roasted chicken legs , juicy and screaming flavour. But how do you make 'em look the part? First up, ditch the plain white plate! A rustic wooden board adds instant charm.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a couple of lemon wedges? Chefs kiss. For that real Pub style chicken experience, you gotta have chunky chips (that's fries, for you Americans!), mushy peas and a drizzle of malt vinegar.
Or, if you’re feeling healthy, roasted veggies (like broccoli or carrots) are brilliant. Oh, and a cold beer is always a winner!
How to Store Your Leftover Chicken Legs
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once the chicken legs have cooled down a bit, pop them into an airtight container and into the fridge.
They'll be good for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each chicken leg individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag.
They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, either let them thaw in the fridge overnight, or if you're in a rush, use the microwave.
To get that crispy skin back, I highly recommend popping them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes.
Tweaking the Recipe
Let's talk adaptations! gluten-free? No worries, this easy chicken recipes is naturally gluten-free. For a low-carb version, swap the chips for cauliflower mash.
Seasonally? The basic chicken leg marinade works all year round. If it's summer, throw some grilled corn on the side.
In autumn, roasted butternut squash complements the Rosemary garlic chicken perfectly.
All About the Chicken's Health
Okay, so these Crispy skin chicken legs aren't exactly health food, but hey, everything in moderation, right? Chicken is a fantastic source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
The rosemary and garlic add lovely flavour and have antioxidant properties. Just be mindful of the fat content, and don’t go too wild with the sides.
So there you have it! A few little pointers to help you on your Oven baked chicken legs adventure. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my chicken legs super crispy like they do at the pub?
Achieving that proper pub-grub crispiness with chicken legs comes down to a few tricks. First, pat the chicken legs completely dry with paper towels before marinating moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Secondly, don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give each leg room to breathe and crisp up properly.
Using a wire rack on top of your baking sheet also helps air circulate, promoting even more crispiness, almost like they've been deep fried!
Can I marinate the chicken legs overnight, or will that make them too salty?
Marinating chicken legs overnight is absolutely fine, and can actually enhance the flavour! However, if you're worried about the salt content, you can slightly reduce the amount of salt in the marinade.
The lemon juice in the recipe will also help to tenderize the chicken and prevent it from becoming overly salty, so go ahead, prep them the night before and let the flavours really meld. It will be so delicious you'll feel like you were on 'Masterchef'!
What's the best way to store leftover chicken legs?
Leftover chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven (for the crispiest results), microwave (for speed), or even an air fryer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating to ensure they're safe to eat.
If you have a larger batch, you can even freeze them for longer storage, up to 2-3 months!
Are these roasted chicken legs healthy? What's the nutritional information?
Compared to deep fried alternatives, these roasted chicken legs are a relatively healthy option. Roasting allows the chicken to cook in its own fat, minimising the need for added oils. Our recipe aims for a balance of flavor without excessive salt or unhealthy fats.
For an estimate, one serving might contain 350-450 calories, 35-45g of protein, 20-30g of fat, and 5-10g of carbohydrates, but this will vary based on the size of the chicken legs used.
Can I use different herbs and spices for these chicken legs?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Feel free to swap out the rosemary and thyme for other herbs like oregano, sage, or even a touch of chili flakes for some heat. You could also try using different spice blends, such as a Cajun seasoning or a Mediterranean herb mix.
Get creative and tailor the flavors to your own taste it's your kitchen, so have some fun, and don't be afraid to follow in the footsteps of 'The Great British Bake Off'!
My chicken legs are burning on top but not cooked through. What am I doing wrong?
This often happens when the oven temperature is too high or the chicken is placed too close to the broiler. Lower the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and move the baking sheet to a lower rack.
You can also tent the chicken legs loosely with foil during the last part of the cooking time to prevent further browning while allowing them to cook through. Most importantly, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the leg.
Crispy Pubstyle Chicken Legs With Rosemary Garli
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
