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Easy Citrus Roasted Chicken Legs photo

Citrus Roasted Chicken Legs

Zesty citrus and herbs marinate chicken legs for a bright, savory roast.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 navel or blood oranges use whole; some for juicing and some for slicing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary sprigs, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup red onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 whole chicken legs with thighs attached
  • 2 red chili peppers stemmed, seeded, and sliced into strips; optional substitute: 1 bell pepper, chopped

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • 13 x 9-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Halve two of the oranges and squeeze their juice into a mixing bowl.
  2. Whisk the orange juice with minced rosemary, minced thyme, olive oil, chopped red onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
  3. Add the chicken legs to the bowl and turn to coat thoroughly; cover or place in a sealed bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 8 hours.
  4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before roasting and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Prepare the remaining two oranges: remove outer peel, scrape off white pith, slice the peel into strips, and cut the oranges into rounds.
  6. Place the marinated chicken in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
  7. Arrange the orange peel strips around the chicken and top with orange rounds and the sliced chili peppers (or chopped bell pepper if using).
  8. Loosely cover the dish with foil and roast for 50 to 60 minutes, basting frequently with pan juices; remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown.
  9. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh reads 175°F (79°C) and juices run clear.
  10. Optionally split drumsticks from thighs and remove skins before serving.
  11. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Marinate for at least 2 hours for best flavor.
  • Use blood oranges for a deeper color and flavor.
  • Baste frequently to keep the chicken moist.
  • Remove foil for final browning.