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## **How to Make Savory Baked Chicken Legs with Potatoes**
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering meal. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a beautiful and delicious family dinner ready in no time.
### Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for getting both the chicken skin crispy and the potatoes perfectly roasted. You want the heat to be consistent throughout the cooking process.
### Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Legs
1. **Season the Chicken**: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. If you’re using fresh herbs, chop them finely and add them to the mixture. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken legs. Make sure to coat each piece evenly for maximum flavor. If you have time, allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator, although this step is optional.
2. **Place on Baking Sheet**: Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Make sure there’s some space between each piece so the heat can circulate evenly around the chicken, helping it cook to perfection.
3. **Add Lemon Juice**: Drizzle a bit of lemon juice over the chicken for brightness and to enhance the flavors of the spices. This is a great way to cut through the richness of the chicken.
### Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
1. **Cut the Potatoes**: Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into evenly-sized chunks. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skins on will give them a more rustic and flavorful result.
2. **Season the Potatoes**: In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato chunks with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is coated evenly with the seasoning mixture. You can adjust the amount of spices to your taste—feel free to get creative with your seasoning.
3. **Arrange on the Baking Sheet**: Arrange the seasoned potatoes on the same baking sheet as the chicken legs. Place them around the chicken so they can cook in the same space. The chicken juices will drip onto the potatoes as they cook, infusing them with delicious flavors.
### Step 4: Bake Everything Together
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken legs and potatoes for 40–45 minutes, flipping the chicken legs and tossing the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
### Step 5: Check for Doneness
– **Chicken**: The chicken legs should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. If the chicken is not done yet, continue baking for another 5–10 minutes.
– **Potatoes**: The potatoes should be fork-tender and have a crispy golden-brown exterior. You can check their tenderness by piercing a piece with a fork or knife.
### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken legs and potatoes are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve the savory baked chicken legs alongside the crispy roasted potatoes and enjoy!
## **Tips for Success**
1. **Don’t overcrowd the pan**: Be sure to leave enough space between the chicken and potatoes on the baking sheet so that the heat can circulate properly. This will help achieve a crispy texture on both the chicken and potatoes.
2. **Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs**: For the best flavor and texture, stick to bone-in, skin-on chicken legs. The skin helps keep the meat juicy and adds a delightful crispiness once baked.
3. **Variations**: You can adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes. For instance, if you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for added flavor.
4. **Make it a full meal**: To make this dish even more filling, consider adding additional vegetables, like carrots, onions, or bell peppers, to the pan. They will roast alongside the chicken and potatoes and soak up all the savory flavors.
5. **Rest the chicken**: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This
allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken remains juicy.
## **Conclusion**
Savory baked chicken legs with potatoes is the epitome of comfort food: simple, flavorful, and filling. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The combination of crispy chicken, tender potatoes, and aromatic seasonings creates a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you want to change up the seasoning, add in some extra vegetables, or use a different cut of chicken, the possibilities are endless. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s one of the best ways to bring your family together around the dinner table.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your comforting, savory meal!
