Description
Juicy, crispy, and packed with bold flavor, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs are an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll want to make again and again. With a golden, savory crust made from fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, these oven-baked or air-fried chicken legs are the perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome. Ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual entertaining, this dish comes together with pantry staples and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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⅓ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for low-carb)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Make Coating: In a bowl, mix Parmesan, garlic, breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Prep Chicken: Pat chicken legs dry. Rub with olive oil to coat evenly.
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Coat Chicken: Press each leg into the Parmesan mixture to coat thoroughly.
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Bake: Place on the baking sheet with space between each piece. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use panko for extra crunch or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
Freshly grated Parmesan yields better flavor and melts beautifully.
Finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for a crispier finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked / Air-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, chicken drumsticks, baked chicken legs, easy chicken dinner