This chicken leg recipe is so good that you’ll never want to go back to store-bought fried chicken! With a flavorful marinade and a crispy, juicy finish, these chicken legs are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your chicken legs the talk of the town!
Ingredients
- Chicken legs: 11 pieces
- Yogurt: 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Garlic: 20 g (0.7 oz), minced
- Sweet paprika: 5 g (0.2 oz)
- Salt: 5 g (0.2 oz)
- Black pepper: 5 g (0.2 oz)
- Butter: 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Ketchup: 40 g (1.4 oz)
- Honey: 20 g (0.7 oz)
- Lemon juice: 20 ml (0.7 fl oz)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Combine the ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 100 g of yogurt, 20 g of minced garlic, 5 g of sweet paprika, 5 g of salt, and 5 g of black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Add the 11 chicken legs to the bowl, ensuring that each piece is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Legs
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt 100 g of butter over low heat. Once melted, add 40 g of ketchup, 20 g of honey, and 20 ml of lemon juice. Stir until well combined and heated through, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken Legs
- Place the chicken on the tray:
- Arrange the marinated chicken legs on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Brush with glaze:
- Using a basting brush, generously brush the chicken legs with the butter, ketchup, honey, and lemon glaze.
- Bake:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the chicken legs for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time and brushing them with more glaze.
- Check for doneness:
- The chicken legs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and are golden brown with a crispy exterior.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Rest the chicken:
- Allow the chicken legs to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps retain their juiciness.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken legs hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy these delicious, better-than-KFC chicken legs with your family and friends!
Cook’s Notes
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. For the best results, marinate overnight.
- Crispy Finish: If you prefer extra crispy chicken legs, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Variations
Spicy Chicken Legs
Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused Chicken Legs
Add fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
BBQ Chicken Legs
Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs
Increase the lemon juice to 40 ml and add more garlic for a zesty, garlicky chicken leg recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I grill the chicken legs instead of baking them?
Yes, you can grill the chicken legs over medium heat for about 30-35 minutes, turning them frequently and brushing with glaze until fully cooked.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze the marinated chicken legs?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken legs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
4. What sides go well with these chicken legs?
These chicken legs pair well with a variety of sides, such as French fries, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or a crisp salad.
5. Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or wings instead of legs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as smaller cuts like wings may cook faster.
This recipe for homemade chicken legs is a must-try if you’re looking for a delicious alternative to KFC. The combination of a flavorful marinade and a sweet and tangy glaze makes these chicken legs irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish with your loved ones!
