Name: Lighter Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Legs
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 5 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: nonstick cooking spray; 2.5 pounds chicken drumsticks; 2 teaspoons sea salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 1 lemon; 3 cloves garlic; 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning

Lighter Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Legs

Lighter Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Legs cover

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Lighter Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Legs

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Lighter Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Legs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Place the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl and season with the salt and pepper. Zest the lemon over the chicken, then cut the lemon in half and squeeze in the juice. Sprinkle the grated garlic and the Italian seasoning over the chicken. Turn the drumsticks several times with a rubber spatula to thoroughly coat them in the lemon and herbs.

Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast the chicken on middle rack of oven until it is slightly brown, 20-30 minutes.

Set the oven to broil. Broil the chicken until the skin is caramelized and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of a drumstick, 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken to make sure it does not burn.

Check to see that chicken is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Transfer the drumsticks to a serving plate and serve immediately.

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Nutrition

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Pat Dry for Crispy Skin 🥖
Pat chicken legs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and spraying with nonstick cooking spray to achieve golden, crispy skin without added oil.
Zest Before Juicing 🍋
Zest the lemon before cutting it in half to use for juicing, then sprinkle the zest directly on the chicken for concentrated lemon flavor that won't cook away.
Mince Garlic Right Before Use 🧄
Mince fresh garlic just minutes before cooking to preserve its pungent compounds and prevent oxidation that dulls flavor when minced too early.
Elevate on a Wire Rack 📍
Place chicken legs on a wire rack set over your baking sheet to allow air circulation underneath, creating evenly crispy skin on all sides.
Internal Temperature Guarantee 🌡️
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken legs reach 165°F internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh for food safety and perfect doneness.