Glazed Roasted Chicken Legs

These glazed roasted chicken legs are bold, flavorful, and irresistibly juicy. Coated in a sticky, deeply caramelized glaze with sweet and savory notes, they deliver a perfect balance of crisp skin and tender meat. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a main dish at a gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare but delivers restaurant-quality flavor. The chicken legs are oven-roasted until the skin crisps up, then basted in a glaze that clings beautifully to every bite. It’s ideal for meal prep, pairs well with various side dishes, and requires only a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken legs (drumsticks or whole leg quarters)

• Soy sauce

• Honey or brown sugar

• Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• Garlic, minced

• Ginger, grated (optional)

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

3. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or roasting pan. Sear the chicken legs skin-side down until browned, about 4–5 minutes.

5. Flip the chicken legs, pour the glaze over them, and transfer the pan to the oven.

6. Roast for 30–35 minutes, basting once or twice with the pan juices until the glaze thickens and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for heat.

• Citrus glaze: Replace vinegar with orange juice or lime juice for a brighter flavor.

• Maple version: Use pure maple syrup instead of honey or sugar for a deeper sweetness.

• Herb finish: Add rosemary or thyme sprigs to the roasting pan for an herbal aroma.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, covered loosely with foil. For best results, baste with leftover glaze or sauce before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead?

Yes, bone-in thighs work beautifully. Breasts can be used but watch the cooking time to avoid drying out.

What’s the best way to get a sticky glaze?

Simmer the glaze first to thicken slightly, and baste the chicken a few times during roasting for a glossy, caramelized finish.

Can I grill this instead of roasting?

Yes. Grill over medium heat and baste with the glaze during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken in the glaze?

You can marinate for 1–2 hours, but save half the glaze for basting and final coating after cooking.

Can I make this glaze sugar-free?

Use a sugar-free honey substitute or reduce the sweetener amount. Keep in mind that sugar helps caramelize and stick.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Baste in stages, and do not overcook. If it gets too dark, loosely cover the pan with foil halfway through roasting.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and refrigerate. Reheat with fresh glaze or pan sauce before serving.

What sides go best with this?

Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad to balance the richness.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw and reheat in the oven or skillet.

Is it necessary to sear before roasting?

Searing creates a more flavorful crust, but if you’re short on time, you can go straight to the oven.

Conclusion

These glazed roasted chicken legs are a delicious combination of simplicity and bold flavor. With a savory-sweet glaze and juicy, tender meat, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. This dish is sure to become a staple in your rotation—effortless, versatile, and always satisfying.

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