15+ Chicken Legs Recipes: Delicious and Easy Dishes to Try Tonight

Many home cooks love chicken legs for their rich flavor and versatility. You can easily find a recipe that suits your taste and cooking style, whether you prefer them baked, grilled, or fried. These recipes not only highlight the delicious taste of chicken legs but also provide a great way to experiment with different spices and cooking methods.

With a simple blend of herbs and spices, you can turn ordinary chicken legs into a tasty meal for any occasion. This article will guide you through various chicken leg recipes, offering helpful tips along the way. Get ready to enjoy some satisfying meals that will impress your family and friends.

1) Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Legs

Grilled lemon herb chicken legs are a tasty choice for any cook. The fresh flavors of lemon and herbs make the dish bright and delicious. You can serve it for dinner or at a barbecue.

To make this dish, you will need chicken legs, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a mix of your favorite herbs like rosemary and thyme. A little salt and pepper will enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken legs and coat them evenly in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

2) Oven-Roasted Garlic Chicken Legs

Oven-roasted garlic chicken legs are simple and packed with flavor. This dish gives you crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

To make this dish, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, season your chicken legs with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Toss them in olive oil for extra flavor and moisture.

Arrange the chicken legs on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. The skin should be golden brown, and the meat should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This recipe pairs well with vegetables or rice. Enjoy your delicious chicken legs!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season chicken legs with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
3. Toss with olive oil.
4. Place on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

3) Spicy Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Spicy Buffalo chicken drumsticks are a tasty option for anyone who loves a kick in their meals. These drumsticks are baked, making them crisp and delicious without the extra fat from frying.

To make this dish, you’ll coat the drumsticks in a mix of hot sauce and melted butter. You can even adjust the heat to match your taste.

These drumsticks are perfect for game days or casual dinners with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss drumsticks in the sauce until coated.
4. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy.

4) Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Legs

Honey mustard baked chicken legs are a delicious and simple dish. The combination of honey and mustard gives the chicken a tasty glaze. You can easily prepare this recipe in your oven.

To make this dish, gather your chicken legs and coat them with a mixture of honey and mustard. This blend not only flavors the chicken but also helps to keep it moist while baking.

Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

• 12 chicken legs (drumsticks)
• 1/3 cup raw honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard in a bowl.
3. Coat the chicken legs with the honey mustard mixture.
4. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

5) Buttermilk Fried Chicken Legs

Buttermilk fried chicken legs are juicy and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The buttermilk helps keep the chicken tender.

To make this dish, mix buttermilk with spices like garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Soak your chicken legs in this mixture for at least two hours. This step really enhances the taste.

Next, prepare a blend of flour and cornstarch for the coating. After soaking, dredge the chicken legs in this mixture. Make sure they are well-coated for a crispy finish.

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). Then, fry the chicken legs for about 12-15 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl.
2. Soak chicken legs in the mixture for 2 hours.
3. Combine flour and cornstarch on a plate.
4. Dredge soaked chicken legs in the flour mixture.
5. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry chicken legs for 12-15 minutes on each side until golden brown.

6) Barbecue Smoked Chicken Legs

Barbecue smoked chicken legs are a delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. The smoky flavor enhances the juicy meat, making it a crowd-pleaser.

To make this dish, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit (about 107 degrees Celsius). Pat your chicken legs dry, then coat them with your favorite barbecue rub. This will add great flavor.

Once your smoker is ready, place the chicken legs inside. Smoke them for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit (about 80 degrees Celsius).

Remember to keep an eye on the temperature, adjusting as needed for the best results!

Ingredients

• Chicken legs
• Barbecue rub
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. Pat the chicken legs dry.
3. Coat the legs with barbecue rub.
4. Place the chicken legs in the smoker.
5. Smoke for 1.5 hours until they reach 175°F (80°C).

7) Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Legs

Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Legs are delicious and easy to make. You will enjoy the crunchy outside and juicy inside. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner.

For this dish, you’ll need chicken legs, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings. The cheese adds flavor and helps create a crispy crust.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat each chicken leg lightly with the mixture.
4. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet.
5. Spray the legs lightly with olive oil.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

8) Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Legs

Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Legs are full of flavor and easy to make. The combination of curry and coconut milk creates a rich and creamy sauce.

Start by marinating your chicken legs with curry paste, garlic, and ginger. This adds great taste to the meat.

Next, brown the chicken in a pan. Then, add coconut milk and veggies like bell peppers and carrots. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Serve this dish with rice or noodles. You’ll love the creamy texture and warm spices!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz or 400 ml)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken legs with curry paste, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
3. Brown the chicken legs for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add coconut milk and vegetables to the pan.
5. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked (internal temp 165°F or 75°C).
6. Serve with rice or noodles. Enjoy!

9) Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Legs

Honey soy glazed chicken legs are a tasty and easy dish to make. The sweet and savory flavors blend well with the juicy chicken. You can enjoy them for dinner or at a barbecue.

To make this dish, marinate the chicken legs in a mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to soak in.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, place the chicken legs on a baking sheet and bake for about 40-45 minutes. This will give you juicy meat with a nice glaze.

For an extra touch, broil them for the last few minutes to get a crispy finish.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add chicken legs and coat them well. Marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place marinated chicken legs on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
6. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

10) Pesto Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Pesto baked chicken drumsticks are a tasty and easy treat. The pesto gives them a burst of flavor, making them a favorite for dinner.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help the chicken cook evenly and get a nice, crispy skin.

Next, toss your chicken drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite pesto. Make sure they are well coated.

Spread the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 35-40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve them hot and enjoy the deliciousness!

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¾ cup pesto
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss drumsticks with olive oil, pesto, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange drumsticks on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.

11) Tangy Teriyaki Chicken Legs

Tangy teriyaki chicken legs are a delicious way to enjoy this popular dish. The sweet and savory sauce gives the chicken a rich flavor that everyone will love.

To make these chicken legs, you’ll start by marinating them in a homemade teriyaki sauce. The sauce is made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes for the best taste.

Once you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake them for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning halfway through.

Enjoy your tangy teriyaki chicken legs with rice and vegetables for a complete meal!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Marinate chicken legs for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place chicken legs on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, turning halfway.

12) Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Chicken Legs

You will love these sweet and spicy sriracha chicken legs. The mix of honey and sriracha adds a perfect touch of heat and sweetness. This recipe is simple and quick to make, making it great for a weeknight dinner.

Start by marinating the chicken legs in a blend of honey, sriracha, and a bit of butter. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. Baking them gives a nice crispy texture.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the marinated legs for about 35-40 minutes until they are cooked through and have a lovely glaze.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine honey, sriracha, and melted butter in a bowl.
2. Marinate chicken legs for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.

13) Maple Dijon Chicken Drumsticks

Maple Dijon chicken drumsticks are both sweet and tangy. This dish is simple to make and a great choice for dinner. The combination of maple syrup and Dijon mustard gives the chicken a delicious flavor.

Start by mixing the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and soy sauce in a bowl. This mixture will be used to marinate the chicken. Coat the drumsticks well and let them sit for at least an hour.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

These drumsticks are perfect for a family meal and can be served with sides like rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and soy sauce in a bowl.
2. Coat the chicken drumsticks in the mixture.
3. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.

14) Ginger Lime Chicken Legs

Ginger lime chicken legs are a delicious way to spice up your dinner. The mix of ginger and lime gives the chicken a bright, tangy flavor. You can easily bake or grill these for a tasty meal.

To start, marinate your chicken legs in a mixture of fresh ginger, lime juice, garlic, and soy sauce. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to soak in.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill. Cook the chicken legs for about 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ginger, lime juice, garlic, and soy sauce.
2. Marinate chicken legs in the mixture for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare grill.
4. Cook chicken legs for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway.
5. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

15) Cajun-Spiced Chicken Legs

Cajun-spiced chicken legs are a flavorful dish that’s easy to make. This recipe brings a taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen. With a mix of spices, these chicken legs are sure to please your taste buds.

For this dish, you’ll need chicken legs, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. You can easily adjust the spices to match your preferences. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the spices and olive oil.
3. Coat the chicken legs in the spice mixture.
4. Then, place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.