Herbed Chicken Legs
Herbed chicken legs with crispy skin, seasoned with fresh herbs and baked to perfection, ideal for a hearty family meal or casual dinner gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken legs with salt and pepper.
- Turn the legs in oil to coat and arrange skin side down in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Bake in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 50 minutes.
- Turn the chicken legs skin side up and sprinkle with a mixture of bread crumbs, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Baste the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Pour around 1/3 cup dry white wine and bake for 10 minutes longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken legs in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have fresh bread crumbs, you can use store-bought or even crushed crackers as a substitute. Adjust the herbs to your taste; dried thyme or oregano can work if you lack fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the herbed chicken legs with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful juices. For a more substantial dish, consider complementing with a creamy sauce or a side of Chicken Soup With Dumplings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the breading.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Chicken Legs contains roughly 1028 calories, with 9g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1132mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken legs?
While you can substitute skinless chicken breasts, they will cook faster and may dry out if not monitored closely. Adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the dry white wine, are certified gluten-free.
What kind of dry white wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well in this recipe. Choose a wine that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will enhance the dish. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the overall taste of the chicken.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).