Zesty Mexican Baked Chicken Legs
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Zesty Mexican Baked Chicken Legs recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices and coated with a crispy breadcrumb crust, these chicken legs deliver both taste and satisfaction while being budget-friendly. Packed with protein, this dish is easy to prepare and makes for a delightful meal any day of the week. Pair it with homemade guacamole or a refreshing squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor! Ideal for family gatherings or potlucks, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
8
Servings
450
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Green chili salsa or taco sauce
1/3 cup (mixed with eggs)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (added to egg mixture)
Fine dry breadcrumbs
1 1/4 cups (mixed with spices)
Chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (mixed with breadcrumbs)
Ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (mixed with breadcrumbs)
Garlic salt
1 teaspoon (mixed with breadcrumbs)
Dry oregano
1/2 teaspoon (mixed with breadcrumbs)
Whole chicken legs (thighs attached)
3-3 1/2 lbs (6-8 pieces) (coated before baking)
Butter or margarine
6 tablespoons (melted in baking pan)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, green chili salsa (or taco sauce), and salt until well combined.
3
In another shallow bowl, mix the fine dry breadcrumbs with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic salt, and dry oregano.
4
Dip each chicken leg in the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture to create a crispy layer.
5
Repeat the dipping and rolling process for an extra crunchy coating.
6
In a shallow, rimmed baking pan, melt the butter (or margarine) in the oven as it preheats.
7
Once melted, carefully remove the pan from the oven and place the coated chicken legs inside. Turn each leg to coat with the melted butter and arrange them skin-side up for even cooking.
8
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the meat near the thigh bone is no longer pink. For best results, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
9
Once cooked, transfer the chicken legs to a warm platter, and keep insulated if necessary for transport.
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
18g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Zesty Mexican Baked Chicken Legs?
This dish features vibrant Mexican flavors using a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and oregano, combined with a zesty green chili salsa or taco sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the chicken?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 3-3.5 lbs of whole chicken legs with thighs attached, which is approximately 6-8 pieces.
What ingredients make up the liquid coating mixture?
The liquid mixture consists of 2 beaten eggs, 1/3 cup of green chili salsa or taco sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What spices are included in the breadcrumb mixture?
The breadcrumb mixture includes 1 1/4 cups of fine dry breadcrumbs, 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of dry oregano.
How do I achieve an extra crunchy coating on the chicken legs?
To create an extra crunchy layer, repeat the dipping and rolling process by coating the chicken in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs twice.
What is the role of butter in this recipe?
Six tablespoons of butter or margarine are melted in the baking pan to coat the chicken legs, which helps in achieving a crispy, flavorful skin.
Should the chicken be baked covered or uncovered?
The chicken should be baked uncovered to allow the breadcrumb crust to become crispy.
How long should the chicken bake?
The chicken legs should bake for 40-45 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
How can I tell if the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The meat near the thigh bone should no longer be pink when the chicken is fully cooked.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving of this chicken?
Each serving contains 450 calories, 26g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 37.5g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for those on a budget?
Yes, this Zesty Mexican Baked Chicken Legs recipe is specifically described as a budget-friendly meal option.
Can I use taco sauce instead of green chili salsa?
Yes, the recipe allows for either green chili salsa or taco sauce to be mixed with the eggs.
What are some suggested serving accompaniments?
This dish pairs wonderfully with homemade guacamole or a refreshing squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Is this dish appropriate for large gatherings?
Absolutely, it is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and impressing guests at social events.
How should the chicken legs be arranged in the pan?
After coating them in melted butter, arrange the chicken legs skin-side up in a shallow, rimmed baking pan for even cooking.
What should I do once the chicken is finished baking?
Transfer the cooked chicken legs to a warm platter and keep them insulated if you need to transport them.
How much chili powder is used in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder.
How much ground cumin is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use for the best results?
The recipe specifies using fine dry breadcrumbs for the coating.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the provided nutritional information, there is no sugar listed for this recipe.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 37.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There are 26 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the chicken supposed to have the skin attached?
Yes, the recipe uses whole chicken legs with thighs attached and instructs to bake them skin-side up.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, the recipe states that you can use either 6 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A shallow, rimmed baking pan should be used to melt the butter and bake the chicken.
How much garlic salt is in the breading mixture?
The breading mixture contains 1 teaspoon of garlic salt.