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Caramelized Baked Chicken Legs Sweet & Sticky Dinner
Emily

Caramelized Baked Chicken Legs or Wings

Juicy chicken legs or wings coated in a sweet and savory glaze of honey, brown sugar, garlic, and spices. Baked until golden and caramelized, this dish is an easy crowd-pleaser for weeknights or gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 chicken legs or wings (or a mix of both)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp ground paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • parchment paper or foil
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  3. Place chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour marinade over and toss to coat evenly. Marinate at least 30 minutes (or overnight in fridge).
  4. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is caramelized and crispy.
  5. For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Remove from oven, let rest a few minutes, and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper. These pair perfectly with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.