If you are an experienced cook, you may already have your own temperature and timing for preparing Chicken, this is a post for those still learning the basics. Since I have started blogging, I have discovered there are many people who don't have the basics of cooking down. The wonderful thing about learning to cook for yourself is you have the ability to add your own flavours to any dish and you can absolutely be sure you eating healthier. You control your own ingredients.Baking chicken legs is a healthier way to prepare them. I have read several recipes on baked chicken legs and I have noticed many people use different temperatures and cook times. My tried and true temperature has always been 350 F for the oven. The chicken legs will vary in timing, based on their size and the quantity you are making. I find 45 to 50 minutes baking time is best, and turn the legs half way through to ensure even browning.
ALWAYS use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the legs if you are unsure that they are ready.
For Less Fat: A wire rack placed under the legs will ensure excess fat drips off of the chicken too.
If you are adding breading, let the chicken sit on the pan for the first half of it's cooking time. ** The fat will be absorbed by the breading and after they have been turned, the fat will crisp up the breading as it melts down and drips into the tray..
HINT:
Although I make most of my Dressings and Sauces from Scratch, you don't need to. Many Salad Dressings or Barbecue Sauce will work well as a substitute. To season 4 to 6 Chicken Legs use 1/3 of a Cup of a sauce.
Baked Chicken Legs.
Evenly coat or spice the legs with your ingredients.Pre-heat your oven to 350 F
Cooking time - 45 to 50 Minutes
Turn the legs approximately 25 minutes into the cooking time.Check temperature with a meat thermometer at 45 Minutes.
Temperature should be at a minimum of 165 F
Let the Chicken Legs rest for 5 to 10 minutes prior to serving.
NOTES:
Add breading for a crispy exterior and allow the chicken to cook in it's own juices for the first portion of the cooking time.
**Place on a wire rack to finish if you don't want to have too much fat in your dish.
Seasonings and Ideas
Simple Salt and Pepper works well if you want a blank pallet for a dipping sauce.
There is a wide variety of sauces, dressings and spices you can use to add flavour.
Here are a few links to the sauces I have used previously.
Honey Mustard Garlic
Dilly Ranch Dressing
Asian Style with Sesame Seed
I will post other Dressings or Blends as I make them.
So there you have the basics. As stated above, you can make extra to save you time. You don't need to use the same spice either. We do add different seasonings and will bake the legs together to give us some variety through the week. It's a huge time saver and a practical type of meal planning.
The Kittens and life in general have really put me off course the last few months so I am not making any promises on when my next Post will be. I'm not a perfect housewife by any means, but I do try to keep on top of things. The Kittens, still young and adventurous, have knocked over more than a few plants, books, book cases and are quite literally into everything now. I'm diligent about cleaning the areas I cook on and am now, daily, chasing overly curious felines off of the centre island in the kitchen and out of nooks and crannies. The good news is I have removed dust bunnies from areas I quite simply have just forgotten about until now.
Curiosity. That's the nature of a cat. =) With luck I'll get a few more posts finished before the Holiday's hit.
Have a great day!
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