If you’re craving a dish that combines crispy, golden chicken with a rich, flavorful garlic and cheese crust, then you are going to love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs Recipe. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that hits all the right notes—garlicky, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned chicken drumsticks baked to juicy perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal fuss, making every bite a celebration of comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are nothing fancy but are essential to create the delicious balance of flavors and textures that make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Each one plays a unique role—from the butter that keeps the chicken moist, to the Parmesan cheese that forms a crispy, savory crust you’ll adore.
- 6 chicken drumsticks: The star of the dish, perfect for absorbing the garlicky butter and crisping up beautifully in the oven.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor, keeping the chicken juicy.
- 3 cloves garlic (about 1 tablespoon), minced: Brings that bold, aromatic garlic punch that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance the overall flavors and season the chicken evenly.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spicy warmth to balance the richness.
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Creates the unmistakable savory crust, with some sprinkled before baking and a final touch on top for extra flavor.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the skin crisps up without sticking—setting the stage for that perfect finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This simple sauce is what will coat the chicken legs, infusing every bite with rich butteriness and fresh garlic flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Arrange the chicken drumsticks on your prepared baking sheet. Generously brush each piece with the garlic butter mixture, making sure every bit of skin is covered. This not only locks in moisture but creates a beautiful golden base for the Parmesan crust.
Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan over the coated chicken legs. The cheese will melt and crisp up during baking, adding fantastic depth of flavor and a slightly nutty, salty crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. You’ll notice the skin turning golden brown and irresistibly crispy—it’s almost impossible to resist.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese on top while the drumsticks are hot. This final touch elevates the dish with a burst of fresh cheesy flavor ready to be enjoyed right away.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich chicken. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten the flavors and balance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement but don’t overpower it. Think roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Light garlic bread is a great option to soak up any extra buttery sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken legs on a rustic wooden board garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. You can also drizzle a bit of extra garlic butter over the top just before serving for that extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs Recipe pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each chicken leg tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing flavor or texture. Just thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the skin soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are equally delicious with this recipe and stay juicy. Just adjust the baking time slightly if they are larger or bone-in.
Is it necessary to use melted butter?
Melted butter ensures even coating and helps the garlic infuse into the chicken. You can substitute with olive oil for a slightly different but still tasty result.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use pure grated Parmesan without any additives. Always check labels if you have any concerns.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also have clear juices when pierced.
Can I add more spices or herbs?
Feel free to experiment! Paprika, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add exciting flavor variations to this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites to your table. When you try it, please let me know what you think, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs recipe features juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 chicken drumsticks
Garlic Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic (about 1 tablespoon), minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined. This mixture will infuse the chicken with rich garlic flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: Arrange the chicken drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush each drumstick with the garlic butter sauce, making sure every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Add Parmesan: Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the coated chicken drumsticks to add a delicious, savory crust as they bake.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Bake until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), the skin is golden brown, and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese on top of each drumstick. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on serving size needs.
