Elevate your weeknight dinner with these irresistible Maple Orange and Basil Chicken Legs—a delightful combination of flavors that balance sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite. Tender oven-baked chicken is basted in a vibrant glaze of maple syrup, fresh orange juice, and zesty orange peel, creating a caramelized finish that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Fragrant garlic and a touch of chili flakes (for optional heat) add depth, while fresh basil leaves lend a pop of herby brightness. Perfectly golden and juicy, these chicken legs require minimal prep and are ready in under an hour, making them ideal for busy evenings or casual entertaining. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, fresh orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and optional red chili flakes.
4. In a baking dish, arrange the chicken legs in a single layer. Pour the maple-orange mixture evenly over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Tear or roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle half of them over the chicken. Reserve the rest for garnishing later.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and baste the chicken legs with the juices from the baking dish. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining basil leaves over the top for a fresh, aromatic finish.
9. Serve the maple orange and basil chicken legs with your choice of side, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Serving size | (945.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1366.9 |
Total Fat 81.5g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 19.1g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
Cholesterol 453.5mg | 0% |
Sodium 2809.4mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 69.3g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 2.4g | 0% |
Total Sugars 60.0g | |
Protein 86.7g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 96.3mg | 0% |
Iron 6.0mg | 0% |
Potassium 1436.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories