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Feel free to add other spices to suit your taste, such as cayenne pepper for heat, oregano for a Mediterranean flair, or lemon zest for a bit of brightness.
### **Fresh Lemon**
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness of the chicken and potatoes. You can also zest the lemon to add a zesty finish to the roasted potatoes.
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## **3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Savory Baked Chicken Legs with Potatoes**
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making this comforting meal. Don’t worry—this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special culinary skills.
### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the chicken and potatoes cook quickly while developing a crispy, golden exterior.
### **Step 2: Prep the Chicken Legs**
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Drying the skin is key to getting that crispy texture when roasting. Season the chicken legs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to coat it evenly.
If you have time, you can marinate the chicken legs for about 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavors, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step.
### **Step 3: Prep the Potatoes**
While the chicken is being seasoned, wash and peel (if you prefer) your potatoes. Cut them into uniform pieces—either wedges, cubes, or slices, depending on your preference. The key is to make sure the pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Toss the potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary. Ensure that all the potatoes are coated evenly with the seasoning and oil.
### **Step 4: Arrange in the Roasting Pan**
In a large roasting pan or baking dish, arrange the seasoned chicken legs in the center. Scatter the seasoned potatoes around the chicken. Be sure to leave enough space between the chicken legs so that the heat circulates around them for even cooking. This will help the skin crisp up and the potatoes to roast properly.
### **Step 5: Roast in the Oven**
Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. During this time, the chicken legs will cook through, becoming golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the potatoes will become tender and crispy around the edges. Halfway through cooking, flip the potatoes to ensure they roast evenly.
Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). If the chicken needs a little more time, continue roasting for another 5-10 minutes.
### **Step 6: Finishing Touches**
Once the chicken legs are golden brown and cooked through, remove the pan from the oven. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and potatoes to brighten up the dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of color and flavor.
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## **4. Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Savory Baked Chicken Legs and Potatoes**
This dish is so satisfying on its own, but there are a few side dishes that would complement it beautifully.
### **A Simple Green Salad**
A light green salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette dressing can help balance out the richness of the chicken and potatoes. The acidity in the vinaigrette will complement the savory flavors of the dish.
### **Steamed or Roasted Vegetables**
You can add another layer of nutrition by serving steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots. Roasting vegetables in the same oven as the chicken will also make it easier to prepare everything at once.
### **Garlic Bread**
For an extra treat, serve some garlic bread on the side. The buttery, garlicky bread will go wonderfully with the juicy chicken and tender potatoes.
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## **5. Variations and Customizations**
While this recipe is already delicious as is, feel free to get creative and adjust it according to your preferences.
### **Different Potatoes**
As mentioned earlier, you can experiment with different types of potatoes. Red potatoes, purple potatoes, or fingerling potatoes each bring their own texture and flavor to the dish.
### **Herbs and Spices**
You can switch up the herbs and spices depending on what you have available. Try adding dried oregano, basil, or even a little cumin for an earthy, warming flavor. If you love heat, a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes will give the dish a spicy kick.
### **Add Veggies to the Pan**
Want to add more veggies to the meal? You can easily toss in vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts. They’ll roast perfectly alongside the chicken and potatoes, soaking up all the delicious juices from the chicken.
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## **6. The Benefits of Savory Baked Chicken Legs with Potatoes**
This dish doesn’t just taste great—it’s also packed with health benefits.
– **High in Protein:** Chicken legs are a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues and maintaining muscle mass.
– **Rich in Nutrients:** Potatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, all of which help support a healthy immune system, proper heart function, and digestion.
– **Balanced Meal:** This dish provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats from olive oil, and carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it a well-rounded meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
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## **Conclusion: A Hearty, Simple, and Delicious Meal for the Whole Family**
Savory baked chicken legs with potatoes is a classic, easy-to-make meal that never goes out of style. With its rich flavors, crispy textures, and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a weekend family gathering, it’s a comforting option that everyone will enjoy.
So go ahead and gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your family to a delicious and satisfying meal tonight!
