Description
Succulent garlic parmesan chicken legs deliver a flavor explosion that elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. Crispy, golden-brown skin coated with savory herbs and nutty parmesan promises a mouthwatering experience you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 907 grams)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Meticulously cleanse chicken legs by patting them completely dry using absorbent paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is eliminated.
- Transfer chicken to a spacious mixing vessel and generously coat with olive oil, seasoning comprehensively with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, massaging spices thoroughly into the meat.
- Select cooking method: For oven preparation, position wire rack atop baking sheet and arrange seasoned drumsticks carefully, maintaining slight separation between pieces.
- Roast in preheated 400F oven, rotating drumsticks midway through cooking process to guarantee uniform browning and crispy exterior.
- Monitor internal temperature, ensuring chicken reaches critical 165F safety threshold, typically requiring 35-40 minutes total cooking duration.
- Alternatively, air fryer enthusiasts can prepare drumsticks at 380F, rotating midcycle and achieving perfect doneness within 25-28 minutes.
- During chicken’s cooking interval, craft luxurious garlic parmesan coating by combining melted butter with finely minced garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Once chicken achieves optimal crispness and temperature, immediately transfer hot drumsticks into prepared butter mixture, gently tumbling to achieve complete, even coverage.
- Finish presentation by generously sprinkling additional parmesan and freshly chopped parsley, creating vibrant visual and flavor enhancement.
- Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and crispy texture.
Notes
- Ensure chicken legs are thoroughly patted dry to achieve ultra-crispy skin that locks in maximum flavor and creates a delightful crunch.
- Experiment with different cheese variations like aged Pecorino or sharp Asiago for unique flavor profiles that can elevate the classic Parmesan coating.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out, aiming for the safe 165F mark that ensures juicy meat every time.
- Adjust cooking time slightly for larger or smaller chicken legs, remembering smaller pieces cook faster and can easily become overcooked and tough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1500 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg