Description
Deliciously savory Pepperoni Chicken Legs combine tender, juicy chicken drumsticks with flavorful seasonings, marinara sauce, pepperoni slices, and melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying American-style baked main course that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings and Garnish
- 18 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything well to ensure the drumsticks are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Arrange Chicken in the Dish: Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks neatly in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are spaced out evenly for proper cooking.
- Add Sauce and Pepperoni: Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce over each drumstick, spreading it lightly. Then lay 2 to 3 slices of pepperoni on top of each piece of chicken to add rich flavor and a bit of spicy crispness.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial bake allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the dish from the oven carefully. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, you can broil the drumsticks for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Feel free to add extra red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Using low-moisture mozzarella helps achieve a nice melty texture without making the dish watery.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 drumsticks
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
