Citrus Baked Chicken Legs

Don't you just hate when you make this stunning meal and as it comes out of the oven, the vultures (also known as the family) come and dig in before it is even out of your hands, therefore leaving you without a photograph of the finished product? No? Well I sure do.  This meal is the result of exactly that.  Luckily for me, I at least photographed it before going in the oven so you can sort of get the idea.  Anyway, enough of my whining for such a lovely day.  This chicken dish pops in your mouth with the refreshing bursts of citrus and the herbs balance that out perfectly.  I'm not sure what else to say but go make it!

For a printable version click HERE

Ingredients:

• 1/4 C olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 T sugar
• 2 lemons, juice one and slice one
• 2 oranges, juice one and slice one
• 1 T Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• pinch (about 1/4 tsp) red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt (I used coarse sea salt)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 6-10 pcs bone in chicken, I used all legs (the drumstick)
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 3 sprigs thyme leaves removed from their stems
• 2 sprigs rosemary, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400.

In a small bowl whisk together: olive oil, garlic, sugar, juice from orange, juice from lemon, onion powder, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Arrange chicken in a 9x13 baking dish, pour seasoning mixture over everything and toss chicken around in it to coat. Be sure to turn chicken thick skin side up when finished.

Arrange onion, lemon slices and orange slices around and on chicken parts.  Sprinkle the fresh herbs over everything.

Bake uncovered about an hour, or until chicken is cooked through.  Be sure to baste the chicken in the citrus herb sauce a few times during cooking.

Serve over a bed of seasoned rice if desired.