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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs Recipe

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken legs bring Italian countryside flavors to your dinner table with irresistible golden-brown charm. Crispy herb-crusted chicken promises a perfect blend of garlic, parmesan, and tender meat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 907 g)
  • ½ cup (118 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Prep: Meticulously pat chicken legs dry. Thoroughly coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
  2. Cooking Method Selection: Choose between oven or air fryer technique. For oven, position drumsticks on a wire rack atop a baking sheet at 400°F. For air fryer, set temperature to 380°F.
  3. Roasting Process: Bake or air fry for 25-40 minutes, rotating midway through cooking. Ensure skin becomes golden and crispy while internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Simultaneously prepare garlic Parmesan coating by combining melted butter, finely minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese in a spacious mixing bowl.
  5. Final Coating: Transfer perfectly cooked chicken legs directly into garlic butter mixture, gently tumbling to achieve uniform, luxurious coverage.
  6. Presentation: Artfully sprinkle additional chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese for visual appeal and extra flavor dimension. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Pat chicken legs completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a crisp, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor and best coating texture on the chicken.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches exactly 165F for food safety without overcooking and drying out the meat.
  • Adjust garlic powder and paprika quantities to match personal taste preferences, allowing flexibility in flavor intensity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg