Introduction
Craving a comforting and flavorful meal that’s also easy to prepare? Look no further than oven-roasted chicken legs with rosemary potatoes! This classic combination offers juicy, succulent chicken with crispy skin alongside perfectly roasted, herb-infused potatoes. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. Plus, the aroma of rosemary wafting through your kitchen is simply divine. This dish is naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to your preferred seasonings.
Oven-Roasted Chicken Legs with Rosemary Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6-8 chicken legs (skin on, bone in)
- 1.5 – 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
Preparing the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half of the rosemary (fresh or dried), half of the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
Seasoning the Chicken Legs
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining olive oil, rosemary, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the chicken legs generously with this seasoning mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Roasting to Perfection
- Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on the same baking sheet with the potatoes, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken legs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden brown. Turning the chicken legs halfway through cooking will ensure even browning.
Tips for Crispy Chicken Skin and Tender Potatoes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding steams the food instead of roasting it. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Pat the chicken dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up better.
- High heat: Roasting at a higher temperature helps to achieve that beautiful crispy skin.
- Broil for the final touch (optional): For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken legs for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the oven-roasted chicken legs and rosemary potatoes immediately.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Consider serving with a dipping sauce like aioli or your favorite BBQ sauce.
Conclusion
Oven-roasted chicken legs with rosemary potatoes are a surefire way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy skin, and flavorful potatoes is simply irresistible. So, fire up your oven and get ready to experience the simple pleasure of a perfectly roasted chicken dinner!
