Savory Baked Chicken Legs with Potatoes: A Comforting Family Meal

Instructions for Making Savory Baked Chicken Legs with Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is perfect for getting crispy chicken skin and golden-brown potatoes.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized chunks or wedges. The key is to make sure they’re uniform so they cook evenly. Toss the potato chunks in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and some salt and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated in the seasoning mixture.

3. Prepare the Chicken Legs

Next, take the chicken legs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Drying the chicken ensures that the skin becomes crispy when baked. Drizzle the chicken legs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to make sure every piece is well-coated.

4. Arrange in a Baking Dish

In a large baking dish, arrange the seasoned chicken legs and potatoes in a single layer. Place the chicken legs in the center of the dish and scatter the potatoes around the chicken. Make sure there’s enough space for the heat to circulate around both the chicken and the potatoes so they cook evenly.

5. Bake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender and crispy. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken leg.

Tip: Halfway through the cooking time, you can flip the chicken legs and toss the potatoes around a bit to ensure an even bake and crispy edges on both.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken and potatoes are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, juicy bite.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve with optional lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Pair this dish with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

• Flavor-Packed Seasoning: The combination of garlic, paprika, onion powder, and thyme creates a savory and aromatic base that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and potatoes. The crispy, golden skin of the chicken adds a delightful crunch, while the tender meat remains juicy and flavorful.
• Even Cooking: By arranging the chicken and potatoes in the same baking dish, they cook together at the same time, absorbing flavors from each other. The potatoes soak up the savory juices from the chicken, creating an irresistible side dish.
• Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts to the pan. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices such as rosemary, oregano, or cumin for a unique twist.

Tips for Perfect Savory Baked Chicken Legs with Potatoes

• Chicken Skin: If you prefer extra-crispy chicken skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even Brussels sprouts to the baking dish. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs work best for this recipe, as the skin helps to lock in moisture, and the bone adds flavor during cooking. You can use chicken thighs as well for a more tender option.

Conclusion: A Comforting, Hearty Meal

Savory Baked Chicken Legs with Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this one-pan meal delivers tender, juicy chicken and perfectly roasted potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.

So, the next time you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal, give this easy recipe a try. It’s guaranteed to become a new go-to in your weekly dinner rotation!