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–+ servings

Baked lemon pepper chicken legs

Lemon pepper chicken drumsticks are one of our favorite recipes for dinner. The Chicken legs are marinated in lemon pepper and garlic and baked to perfection. 
5 from 7 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 271 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 medium chicken drumsticks
  • 2 cloves garlic (grated)
  • 2 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoons oregano substitute with basil or Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions
 

Marinade:

  • In a bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, salt, spices, grated garlic and lemon zest. Whisk until well blended and smooth.
  • Add the chicken legs to the bowl and turn to coat all over with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes if time allows.

Baking in the oven

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place marinated chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet and spoon any extra marinade over the top.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, then flip chicken and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Chicken is done when juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) add more time as needed.
  • Let chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Air frying

  • Season and marinate the chicken legs as described above. Then arrange them in the air fryer basket.
  • Set temperature to 400°F (200°C) no need to preheat then air fry for 20 to 25 mins or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember to flip the chicken halfway through cooking time.
  • Let it rest for about 5 mins before serving.

Notes

  1. To add a bit more color to these baked lemon pepper chicken drumsticks, you can add paprika to the ingredients. (I recommend 1 teaspoon of paprika)
  2. For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours, or even overnight if time permits.
  3. To enhance the lemony flavor, baste the chicken with the drippings halfway through baking. You can also place thin slices of lemon on top of the chicken while baking.
  4. Once done, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken.
  5. You may need to adjust your cooking time based on your oven and the size of the chicken legs

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 455mgPotassium: 296mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 481IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
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