Roasted Chicken Legs

Roasted chicken legs are a classic, comforting dish made by cooking chicken drumsticks and thighs in an oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. The recipe typically involves seasoning the chicken with a blend of herbs, spices, garlic, and oil, then roasting it at a high temperature. This simple yet flavorful preparation is a staple in home kitchens around the world, from American Sunday dinners to French bistro fare.

🍳 View the full Roasted Chicken Legs recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a high-protein, high-fat meal, with the majority of its calories coming from the protein in the chicken and the fat in the skin and dark meat. It is a good source of essential nutrients like B vitamins (especially niacin and B6), selenium, and phosphorus, with a rough calorie count of 350-450 per serving, depending on the size of the legs and the amount of added fat.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	320 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	450 mg
Potassium	280 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Vitamin B6	0.5 mg
Niacin (B3)	7 mg
Selenium	22 mcg
Zinc	2.5 mg
Vitamin B12	0.3 mcg
Iron	1.2 mg

Per 1 leg (about 150 g, skin-on, bone-in) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, roasted chicken legs are a symbol of rustic, home-style cooking, often associated with family gatherings and comfort. Nutritionally, the dark meat of the chicken legs is richer in iron and zinc compared to white meat, making it a more nutrient-dense option for those looking to boost their intake of these minerals.