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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Crispy, savory, and full of rich flavor, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs are an easy and delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests. Oven-baked to golden perfection with a buttery garlic-parmesan coating, this crowd-pleasing dish delivers juicy chicken with a cheesy, garlicky crust in every bite. Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and loads of flavor—this recipe is a guaranteed family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 chicken drumsticks (about 22.5 lbs)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)


Instructions

  • Preheat Oven
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top for even crisping.

  • Season Chicken
    Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well coated.

  • Bake
    Arrange chicken legs on the wire rack. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • Prepare Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Parmesan cheese and remove from heat.

  • Coat Chicken
    When chicken is done, transfer to a bowl and toss immediately with the garlic-Parmesan butter mixture until well coated.

 

  • Serve
    Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, broil chicken legs for 2–3 minutes after baking.

Can be made with wings or thighs if preferred.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, baked chicken legs, crispy drumsticks, easy chicken recipe, garlic butter chicken