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Spicy Roasted Chicken Legs with Citrus Rosemary Salt

Spicy Roasted Chicken Legs with Citrus Rosemary Salt is a bold, aromatic dish featuring juicy chicken with crisp skin, zesty citrus, and fragrant rosemary. Perfect for weeknights or holidays, it's an easy, flavorful oven-baked meal everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Marination Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 legs
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 6 chicken legs skin on
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning Mix
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp coarse salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 orange zest zest of 1 orange
  • 1 lemon zest zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking tray
  • mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease lightly.
  2. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels.
  3. Place chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and coat evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, combine paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, rosemary, and citrus zests.
  5. Rub seasoning mix onto chicken legs thoroughly.
  6. Let the chicken marinate for 15–20 minutes (optional for deeper flavor).
  7. Arrange chicken legs on tray with space between. Roast for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through.
  8. Remove from oven once skin is golden and juices run clear. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Drying the chicken helps crisp the skin. Avoid overcrowding for even roasting. This recipe can be adapted for a whole chicken. To reduce spice, skip or lessen chili flakes.