Baked Fiesta Chicken

This Baked Fiesta Chicken is about to be a new favorite dinner. It is so easy, just throw everything into a baking dish and get it in the oven.

Because dinner should at least taste like a party every night, right?

Let’s face it, dinner time is usually pretty hectic around our house. So as much as I’d like to sit back and have a couple beers with a big plate of nachos…that doesn’t happen.

One kid is going in one direction and the other kid is going in a different direction. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for people that have more than two kids – one for each parent seems like all we can handle!

So after you’ve had pizza for the hundredth time and really don’t feel like microwaving anymore dino nuggets…it’s time to get some food on the table.

That’s when we turn to easy dinners like these Oven Baked Fiesta Chicken Legs. Everything goes into the baking dish and into the oven. There’s nothing more to think about except what you’re making on the side like maybe these Stick of Butter Smashed Potatoes.

And sometimes we feel so impressed with ourselves just getting dinner on the table and sides just don’t happen.

And that is ok by me. A couple of these drumsticks is way better than dino nuggets any day

The only thing you have to do for these Oven Baked Fiesta Chicken Legs is plan on the marinating time. The marinade is what really flavors this chicken so don’t cut it short. At least for hours but the longer you let them sit in the fridge, the better the flavor will be.

Wipe the marinade off the chicken with paper towels and get them in a large skillet to brown. Get them nice and crispy then place them in a baking dish with Ro-Tel.

Cover and bake for 30-40 minutes and dinner is done.

Here’s a funny thing I think I’ve talked about before but maybe for new visitors you haven’t heard this story. I don’t like chicken on the bone. Right? Who’s with me!!!

I know there’s more crickets out there right now than not, but I do know there are more people like me out there. I’ve met them. They exist.

I don’t know what it is, because I can kill a few pounds of chicken wings no problem. But a chicken thigh or a drumstick like this? No thanks.

But dinners like these Oven Baked Fiesta Chicken Legs or these Upside Down Pineapple Chicken Thighs have totally changed my feelings about chicken in the bone. I like it. I really do.

So maybe I just wasn’t easting the right types of chicken on the bone, maybe I just needed to make chicken on the bone the way I wanted to eat it…who knows.

Baked Fiesta Chicken

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• Author: Dan George
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

Tender chicken drumsticks baked to perfection in a spicy and zesty marinade. A simple weeknight meal with big flavor.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 kg (5 lbs) chicken drumsticks
• 1 cups (237 ml) canola or olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cups (60 ml) fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 2 cans (411 g) Ro-Tel, drained
• Fresh lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Add the oil, garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, cumin, and taco seasoning to a bowl and whisk together.
2. Add the chicken thighs to a resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade.
3. Shake the bag to coat the chicken, then refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
5. Spray a skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
6. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and wipe off excess marinade with a paper towel.
7. Brown the chicken thighs in the skillet for 5 minutes per side, then transfer to a baking dish.
8. Add the drained Ro-tel to the baking dish, cover, and bake for 40 minutes at 400°F (204°C).
9. Garnish with fresh lime juice and cilantro, if desired, and serve.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
• If you don’t have Ro-Tel, use a combination of diced tomatoes, green chilies, and a little extra taco seasoning.
• To make ahead, bake the chicken and store separately from the Ro-Tel. Reheat together before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 drumstick
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 700
• Fat: 25
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 15
• Carbohydrates: 15
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 30
• Cholesterol: 100

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