Description
These Pepperoni Chicken Legs are a delicious, pizza-inspired main course that combines juicy baked chicken drumsticks with savory marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy pepperoni slices. Perfect for a kid-friendly dinner or easy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers comforting Italian flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices pepperoni
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat each drumstick evenly with the seasoning.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
- Add sauce and toppings: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each drumstick. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and top each with 2 to 3 slices of pepperoni.
- Melt cheese and crisp pepperoni: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the pepperoni edges are slightly crisp.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a fun, pizza-inspired meal.
Notes
- Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad to complete the meal.
- You can substitute chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts for drumsticks, but adjust baking times accordingly to ensure doneness.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes after adding the cheese and pepperoni—watch carefully to avoid burning.
