Name: Baked Chicken Legs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 pounds chicken leg quarters; 2 tablespoons olive oil

These baked chicken legs are crispy on the outside, juicy inside and packed with flavor thanks to a simple blend of pantry spices.

Instructions

1 Mix the seasoning blend

2 Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and thyme.

3 Season the chicken legs

4 Brush the chicken legs with olive oil. Editor’s Tip: Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel first—this will help the oil and seasonings stick. Then add them to the bowl and toss them with the spice mixture until evenly coated.

5 Place the chicken legs on foil-lined baking sheets. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness with an instant-read kitchen thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumsticks. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches 165°. Editor’s Tip: The minimum safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165°, but the dark meat in the legs and thighs reaches optimal tenderness when cooked for a bit longer. You can leave the baked chicken legs in the oven for a few more minutes until they reach 170°, or cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving—the residual heat will continue to cook the chicken a few more degrees.