Delicious and Easy Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken
Chicken legs and thighs are a delicious and affordable cut of meat that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe for lemon garlic roasted chicken legs and thighs is simple to make and produces juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin. The lemon and garlic add a bright and tangy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly roasted chicken, and this lemon garlic version is sure to become a family favorite. This is not your typical lemon garlic chicken recipe. The chicken pieces are marinated with a wonderful and aromatic blend of seasonings and roasted to perfection.
The lemon garlic flavors and the seasoning blend from NouBess Poultry Seasoning are incredibly complementary to the chicken, and the crispy skin is simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to follow and produces juicy, flavorful chicken that everyone will love.
Chicken legs and thighs are a delicious and affordable cut of meat that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a tasty and satisfying meal on the table in no time. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic seasoning blend enhances the natural flavors of the tender chicken legs and thighs, resulting in a comforting and refreshing dish. The roasting process allows the chicken to develop a crispy golden skin while remaining juicy and succulent on the inside.
Not only is this recipe incredibly flavorful, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve the lemon garlic roasted chicken legs alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete and well-balanced meal. Leftovers can be used in wraps, sandwiches, or salads for a quick, easy lunch option the next day. Don’t let busy weeknights derail your dinner plans. Whip up this mouthwatering lemon garlic roasted chicken legs recipe and enjoy a stress-free and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, while lemon provides a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s a well-rounded meal that satisfies your taste buds and nutritional needs. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs recipe is a surefire winner. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a delectable and hassle-free dinner tonight.
Health benefits of incorporating chicken into your diet
Chicken is a healthy and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the health benefits of incorporating chicken into your diet:
- Protein: Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Protein is also important for maintaining muscle mass and strength.
- Lean protein: Chicken is lean, which means it is low in fat and calories. This makes it a good choice for people trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight.
- Vitamins and minerals: Chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. These vitamins and minerals are important for a variety of bodily functions, including energy production, blood cell formation, and immune function.
- Heart health: Chicken is a good source of protein and niacin, both of which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Niacin helps to lower cholesterol levels, while protein can help to maintain a healthy weight, which are both important factors in reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Weight loss: Chicken is a low-calorie, high-protein food that can help you to feel full and satisfied after eating. This can make it a helpful food for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- Bone health: Chicken is a good source of phosphorus, which is an important mineral for bone health. Phosphorus helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.
- Immune system: Chicken is a good source of selenium, which is an important mineral for the immune system. Selenium helps to protect the body against harmful bacteria and viruses.
Overall, chicken is a healthy and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and it has been linked to a number of health benefits, including heart health, weight loss, and bone health.
Here are some tips for incorporating chicken into your diet:
- Choose lean cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast or thigh.
- If you are worried about fat, remove the skin before cooking, as the skin is high in fat.
- Cook chicken using healthy cooking methods, such as grilling, baking, or roasting.
- Vary your chicken dishes by using different seasonings and herbs.
- Enjoy chicken as part of a balanced diet.
Ingredients needed for the Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs and thighs
- Chicken legs and thighs with skin
- Lemon and lemon juice
- Red Onions
- Garlic cloves
- NouBess Poultry Seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions for preparing and roasting the chicken legs and thighs
- Clean the chicken pieces the way you prefer. Pat dry with a paper towel and set aside in a large bowl.
- Mix NouBess Poultry Seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to prepare the seasoning.
- Add the seasoning mixture to the chicken legs and thighs. Use your hands to massage each piece with the seasoning, making sure that they are well coated. Set aside and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to roast the chicken, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Place the chicken legs and thighs in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet.
- Scatter the garlic cloves, onion slices, and lemon slices. Tuck a few between the chicken pieces.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Serve immediately with your side dishes.
Tips for marinating the chicken legs for maximum flavor
- Use a good quality oil. The marinade should be made with good olive oil.
- Olive Oil helps keep the chicken moist and helps the marinade flavors penetrate the meat.
- Acid: Acids, such as vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt, help to tenderize the chicken and add flavor. I use lemon slices for this recipe, which are also a good choice for adding acidity to the chicken.
- Spices and herbs: Spices and herbs add flavor and depth to the marinade. The blend created with the seasoning from NouBess provides a great balance of flavors.
- You can add other ingredients to the marinade, such as garlic, ginger, or soy sauce.
- Marinate the chicken for the right amount of time. The amount of time you marinate the chicken will depend on the chicken’s thickness and the marinade’s intensity. For bone-in, skin-on chicken legs, you will need to marinate for at least 2 hours but overnight is best. Boneless, skinless chicken legs can be marinated for 1-2 hours.
Notes and Tips:
- Serve the chicken legs and thighs with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, scalloped potatoes, or rice.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs and thighs for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
- You can also add other vegetables to the baking sheet, such as carrots, potatoes, or onions.
- For a more flavorful chicken, you can marinate it for several hours or overnight.
- Place the chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet. This will help them cook evenly.
- If you want to get crispy skin, brush the chicken legs with melted butter before roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
- You can also roast the chicken legs on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This will help the skin get even crispier.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
Variation ideas to customize the recipe to your taste
Here are some variation ideas to customize the recipe to your taste:
- Change the herbs and spices: You can use different herbs and spices to change the flavor of the chicken. For example, you could use rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a Mediterranean flavor or garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a more classic barbecue flavor.
- Add other ingredients: You can add other ingredients to the chicken to make it more flavorful or nutritious. For example, you could add chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or onions or nuts or seeds.
- Change the cooking method: You can cook the chicken in a variety of ways, such as roasting, grilling, or baking. Each cooking method will produce a different flavor and texture.
- Use different cuts of chicken: You can use different cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast, thigh, or leg. Each cut will have a different flavor and texture.
- Marinade the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. You can use a variety of marinades, such as a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, or a more complex marinade that includes soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Here are some specific examples of variations you can try:
- Barbecue chicken: Use barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and spices to marinate the chicken.
- Asian chicken: Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil to marinate the chicken.
- Mediterranean chicken: Use olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and thyme to marinate the chicken.
- Cajun chicken: Use cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to season the chicken.
Not only the recipe is easy to prepare, but it also requires minimal ingredients, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. The combination of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs creates a tantalizing marinade that infuses the chicken legs with fantastic flavor. Once marinated, pop them in the oven and let them roast to perfection. The result? Tender, juicy chicken legs with a crispy golden skin that will leave you craving more.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to make delicious and easy lemon garlic roasted chicken legs that everyone will love!
Delicious and Easy Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 Chicken legs and thighs with skin on
- 1 Lemon cut into wedges or slices
- 1 Red Onion sliced
- 6 Garlic cloves sliced in half
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp Noubess Poultry Seasoning
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Clean the chicken pieces the way you prefer. Pat dry with a paper towel and set aside in a large bowl.
- Mix NouBess Poultry Seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice and olive oil to prepare the seasoning.
- Add the seasoning mixture to the chicken legs and thighs. Use your hands to massage each piece with the seasoning, ensuring they are well coated. Set aside and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to roast the chicken, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Place the chicken legs and thighs in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet.
- Scatter the garlic cloves, onion slices, and lemon slices. Tuck a few between the chicken pieces.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Serve immediately with your side dishes.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
