There’s just something about the crackling skin of roasted chicken legs—it’s like the universe’s way of saying, “Here’s a hug for your taste buds.” These crispy five spice roasted wonders will have everyone at the table singing your praises (or at least reaching for seconds). Oh, and did I mention the aroma that fills the kitchen? It’s like being wrapped in a cozy blanket of spice and warmth.
Steps
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Place the chicken legs in a large resealable bag or container, pour in the marinade, and ensure the chicken is well-coated. Refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours or overnight to marinate.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken on a rack within a foil-lined roasting pan and loosely cover with foil.
- Roast the chicken in the oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil. Continue cooking, basting occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°-170°F (74°-77°C), approximately 45 minutes longer.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken legs (thighs and drumsticks attached), trimmed of excess fat
- Soy sauce
- Fresh ginger
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Chinese five-spice powder
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1773 kcal | Carbohydrates: 33 g | Protein: 279 g | Fat: 51 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 1080 mg | Sodium: N/A | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 15 g
FAQ
- What is Chinese five-spice, and why is it used in this recipe?
- Chinese five-spice is a blend of spices typically including star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. It is used in this recipe to impart an exotic Asian flavor to the roasted chicken legs.
- Can I use different parts of the chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use a whole chicken, thighs, legs, or breasts—whatever you prefer. The recipe is versatile and allows you to choose based on your preference for dark or white meat.
- How long should the chicken marinate for optimal flavor?
- The chicken should be marinated for at least 6-8 hours to ensure that the flavors fully penetrate the meat. For best results, you can leave it to marinate overnight.
- What should I serve with these roasted chicken legs for a complete meal?
- These chicken legs pair well with jasmine rice or brown fried rice and a side of vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.
- How can I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?
- To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°-170°F when inserted between the leg and the thigh.
Tips
- For the best flavor infusion, marinate the chicken legs for at least 6 hours, or even overnight, to allow the spices and sauce to fully penetrate the meat.
- Use a roasting rack in the pan to ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from sitting in its own juices, which helps achieve crispy skin.
- Remember to tent the chicken with foil for the first part of cooking to keep it moist, and then remove the foil to allow the skin to crisp up towards the end.
- To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches between 165°F and 170°F, inserting it between the leg and thigh.
Equipment
- Blender (for blending the marinade ingredients)
- Roasting pan with rack (for roasting the chicken)
- Meat thermometer (to check the internal temperature of the chicken)
