Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks: easy chicken leg recipe

The Kitchen Girl

Healthy cooking made easy and affordable

You are here: Home / Recipes / Meat Recipes / Chicken / Poultry Recipes / Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks

Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks

By

2K Shares
Pin
Share
Stumble
Yum
Email

Looking for a mostly hands-free baked chicken recipe that satisfies the family at the last minute? Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks are so easy to prep and toss in the oven. You can even pull double duty and make my Garlicky Oven Roasted Mushrooms side dish in the same oven.

Easy roasted chicken legs with five minute prep and sheet-pan style baking. Kid-friendly and gluten free. Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks garnished with lemon wedges. thekitchengirl.com #chickenlegs #bakedchicken #roastedchicken #roastedchicken #drumsticks #sheetpandinner #sheetpandinner

Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks

My love for baked chicken legs date back to my childhood.

They were always my favorite piece of chicken…only problem was that there were only 2 pieces per chicken, so when they were gone…womp womp.

Even if I was the only one eating them, two were never enough.

Now that I’m a big kid, I can bake a whole sheet pan of chicken legs…as many as I want. And I do!

So, how do you bake chicken leg drumsticks in the oven?

1. Preheat the oven to 400°.

2. Lightly coat the chicken drumsticks with oil and seasonings [see recipe below].

3. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

4. Bake 30-40 minutes until the chicken reaches the proper temperature and is fully cooked.

And don’t just go with your gut…even if you’ve done it a million time before…use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature.

What IS the proper temperature for baked chicken legs?

Chicken leg drumsticks (all chicken pieces) must reach an internal temperature of 165° to be properly cooked.

To do this, I use a meat thermometer that gets inserted into the chicken, and sits along the bone for the most accurate temperature.

Even if the chicken is boneless…165° is THE FOOD SAFETY RULE!

Ok, here’s what I love about this Baked Chicken Leg recipe:

~ Simple 5 minute prep and the rest is hands-free baking. Really!

~ Kids go crazy for chicken legs…adults do too!

~ Super duper money saver. After all, it’s chicken drumsticks, dudes!

~ Use organic chicken! {Yeah, more expensive, but the benefits rock!}

~ Chicken legs are always naturally delicious with very little effort!

 Easy roasted chicken legs with five minute prep and sheet-pan style baking. Kid-friendly and gluten free. Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks garnished with lemon wedges. thekitchengirl.com #chickenlegs #bakedchicken #roastedchicken #roastedchicken #drumsticks #sheetpandinner #sheetpandinner

Want more easy chicken recipes for busy weeknights?

My Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Brown Rice is a 30 minute, skillet meal that puts leftovers to good use.

Skinnyish Chicken Broccoli Rice is another one-skillet meal in 30 minutes.

For a delicious, slow-cooker soup, check out my Fall Apart Chicken Vegetable Crockpot Soup.

Here are the simple steps [with pictures!] I use for Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks (see full recipe below):

Preheat oven to 400°; combine olive oil, seasonings, and chicken legs in a ziploc bag; massage ingredients into chicken legs.

Please note, this plastic bag isn’t required, but I like to use it so my hands don’t get all…chicken-ey while massaging the chicken.

Easy roasted chicken legs with five minute prep and sheet-pan style baking. Kid-friendly and gluten free. Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks garnished with lemon wedges. thekitchengirl.com #chickenlegs #bakedchicken #roastedchicken #roastedchicken #drumsticks #sheetpandinner #sheetpandinner

You can even let the chicken legs sit overnight…to deepen the YUM factor!

Place seasoned chicken legs on oil-sprayed baking sheet a few inches apart from each other.

Easy roasted chicken legs with five minute prep and sheet-pan style baking. Kid-friendly and gluten free. Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks garnished with lemon wedges. thekitchengirl.com #chickenlegs #bakedchicken #roastedchicken #roastedchicken #drumsticks #sheetpandinner #sheetpandinner

Bake 30-40 minutes until internal temperature (next to the bone) reaches 165° with a meat thermometer.

Easy roasted chicken legs with five minute prep and sheet-pan style baking. Kid-friendly and gluten free. Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks garnished with lemon wedges. thekitchengirl.com #chickenlegs #bakedchicken #roastedchicken #roastedchicken #drumsticks #sheetpandinner #sheetpandinner

How to make chicken legs crispy in the oven

If you like crispy chicken legs, at the end of the baking cycle, turn on your broiler and allow them to crisp.

This can take anywhere from two minutes to five minutes, depending on your crispy preference, so keep a close eye on the legs to prevent burning.

Ingredients for Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks (see full recipe below):

  • extra virgin olive oil
  • paprika
  • garlic powder
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • chicken leg drumsticks

Kitchen tools I use for baked chicken recipes:

Easy roasted chicken legs with five minute prep and sheet-pan style baking. Kid-friendly and gluten free. Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks garnished with lemon wedges. thekitchengirl.com #chickenlegs #bakedchicken #roastedchicken #roastedchicken #drumsticks #sheetpandinner #sheetpandinner

Yields 6 pieces

Simple Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks

Lightly crispy, sheet pan chicken legs seasoned with garlic powder and paprika.

5 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

35 minTotal Time

Save RecipeSave Recipe
Print Recipe

4.9 based on 45 review(s)

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 6 Chicken Leg Drumsticks weighing 1/2 lb each (patted dry with paper towel)
  • (optional) Lemon Wedges for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°

In a Ziploc bag or mixing bowl, combine OLIVE OIL, PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER, SALT, and PEPPER; add CHICKEN LEG DRUMSTICKS; massage oil and seasonings into chicken surface until well-coated.

Place legs on an oil-sprayed baking sheet with space between each leg.

Bake 30-40 minutes; carefully remove from oven and insert meat thermometer into center of one leg, alongside the bone to confirm temperature of 165°, continue baking in 5-10 minutes intervals, if needed.

Serve warm; (optional) garnish with LEMON WEDGES.

Notes

Food safety standards indicate that poultry temperature must hit 165° before eating.

7.8.1.2
153
https://thekitchengirl.com/simple-baked-chicken-leg-drumsticks/

Traci Antonovich
Follow TKG

Traci Antonovich

Recipe author and content creator at The Kitchen Girl
Smart, affordable eating happens HERE. I'm on a mission to help you eat healthy AND save money through simple, everyday recipes, product reviews, and budget-friendly kitchen tips.

About my recipes: Minimal meat & more plants!
Traci Antonovich
Follow TKG

Latest posts by Traci Antonovich (see all)

2K Shares
Pin
Share
Stumble
Yum
Email

Comments

  1. Hi Traci,I thought you might like to know that my kids asked me to make your Simple Baked Chicken Leg drumsticks again. It was a big hit with them the last time - AND with me! I finally became interested in spending time in the kitchen about 2 years ago at the ripe age of 42. (Better late than never) Having simple go to recipes is my JAM, so I am thrilled to have found your site! Thank you for sharing your talents!Smiles, Melissa
    Reply

  2. Ooooh I could see these being a huge hit for a football party! They look so easy and I love how you laid out all the steps to make them just right. Such a great recipe!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  3. Growing up, the chicken legs always went to my older siblings. Now, they go to my kids. I, like you, am always sad that there are only two. I see the chicken legs in the grocery store, but rarely think to buy a pack. Now I need to so I can use this recipe (and get that deepened yum factor!)
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  4. I love how simple but delicious this recipe is! It's so much easier to bake a ton of drumsticks in the oven when having guests over than handling it on the stove-top. I'm also a fan of mixing paprika with garlic and it's almost always my go-to seasoning combo.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  5. Love the simplicity of this dish. Chicken legs have been a favorite of mine since I was a toddler and this preparation is perfection. Love the suggestion of using a large plastic bag for prepping the poultry. You've got me craving the roasted chicken legs. Printing recipe now. Thanks for the awesome recipe and inspiration!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  6. Sign. Me. UP. I love how simple this recipe is, yet it's still so flavor-packed. And adding a spritz of lemon at the end, before mowing down, just adds SO MUCH. It's hard to bear garlicky, salty, and lemony goodness like that :)
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  7. This is a great recipe to make when you're having lots of people over. Of course you can make it just for one but I like the convenience of having the oven do all the work. Your seasonings are perfect for the drumsticks. Dark meat is our favorite -- you can't dry it out and the legs are so easy to pick up and nibble on. In January we anticipate making this recipe several times.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  8. Definitely bookmarking these for the new year! My husband would love them... So would I... And I especially love how easy they are!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  9. Chicken is my comfort food, so there's always several packages in my freezer at the ready. Love the dark meat too because it stays so moist and flavorful -- I love the simplicity of your recipe and the easy spice blend. These would be great with a green salad and some french bread.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  10. Drumsticks sure are a huge hit at my house, and these sound delicious! I love the fact that you can prep these the night before then cook for a quick weeknight dinner after a long day at the office. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  11. I love how easy these baked chicken drumsticks are! Just perfect for a busy weeknight. And they are so versatile! I would love to try marinating mine in a garlic, soy sauce, and ginger mixture over night. Yum!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  12. Oh my gosh I was the same way as a kid! My brother and I used to fight over them. This recipe is so perfectly simple but delicious. My toddler love the legs, too!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  13. You're so right about approximating the time and needing to check in with the meat thermometer. So often chicken legs can be bigger or smaller and the cooking time has to be adjusted. Love how simple, yet tasty these were to make. I could have these on repeat a couple times a week.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  14. There is just something so rustic and delicious with simple baked chicken. Drums are the best part. This is a great meal for the family. Perfect for Sunday Supper. Nice and juicy. Totally delicious without all the fuss.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  15. Great recipe and perfect seasonings. 165 deg. F will make it safe to eat, but I’ve found that cooking drumsticks to 180-190 deg F will make them fall-off-the-bone tender. (Something about the toughness of drumstick meat.)
    ★★★★☆
    Reply

  16. I love this idea… chicken legs and thighs are ALWAYS on sale and I’m always looking for recipes that help with the weekly budget! We’re entertaining for a football party this weekend so I’m going to make these… winning… both reasonably priced and full, of yummy flavors! 🍗 🍗 🍗
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  17. My family loved these!! It's such an easy recipe but delicious. I'll definitely be making this again. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  18. I am cooking for about fifty people and need to cook it the day before will this be a good recipe to use and just heat up the day of
    Reply

    • Hi Sybil, this is a great recipe for entertaining, but let me say this. You could bake them a day in advance, but the skin likely won't be crispy. Also, reheating fully cooked chicken can dry it out. Might I recommend that you bake them halfway the first day, and the other half the next day. Also, when they've finished baking, you can set them under the broiler briefly to make the skin crispier, if you like. Does this answer your question?
      Reply

  19. I made this recipe today because someone gave me ten pounds of drumsticks and since there are just 2 of us I had to have a recipe to use them. I made them in disposable deep dish 9x13 pans. When they were done, I covered them with foil and put one pan in the freezer for later. My son loved them.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  20. Traci, We loved your recipe. I was looking for something simple since I didn't have much time. I took the easy way out & mixed the oil & rest & brushed it on the chicken, turning after 25 minutes. We like it crispy so broiled for a few minutes & it was so easy & delicious! Thanks!
    Reply

  21. Making a large batch 30 or so. How much seasoning should I use multiply by 5?Thank you for your helpMary
    Reply

    • Hi Mary, I would use about 1/4 cup oil (total) and multiply the seasonings by 2x or 3x (but not 5x). Also, I'd probably skip the plastic bag method and simply combine the oil and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Then use your hands (I prefer this with gloves) to rub or lightly coat each chicken leg with the seasoned oil. You should be able to fit all of the chicken legs onto two standard sized baking sheets and bake all at once. That's pretty much it. Hope this helps and let me know if you have further questions. Enjoy!!!
      Reply

  22. These are yummy, but they take a full hour to cook, and are definitely not done in 40 minutes. I think it depends how big your legs are , mine were about 600 grams a piece.
    Reply

    • Hi Kimberley, that sounds on point if you're using 600 gram (1.3 lb) legs. I based my 30-40 minute cooking time on average sized chicken legs weighing 1/2 lb (226 grams). I'm adding this to the recipe now. I'm glad you found the right timing for yours and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment! :)
      Reply

  23. Have you ever put the oil and seasonings on it and then freezed it for a quick no prep meal that can directly into the oven?
    Reply

  24. Found your Recipe on internet, thought I would coat it, now I am looking forward to tasting it. They look YUM.
    Reply

  25. Recipe is great, came here looking for temp/ time ratio, came out with good seasoning and prep ideas. Didn't really want to dig through several paragraphs of vague explanations and backstory just to cook, though.
    Reply

    • Hiya Brian, thanks for visiting! I'm not sure why you didn't find the time/temp ratio. The third heading of this post titled "SO, HOW DO YOU BAKE CHICKEN LEGS (DRUMSTICKS) IN THE OVEN?" lists time and temperature, which are both included in the printable recipe card too. If there's something I'm still missing, lemme know...I always want my content to come through clearly. Thanks!
      Reply

  27. thanks for the baked chicken recipe! we usually broil our chicken but today we found our broiler not working. so we quickly looked for a baked chicken recipe. yours popped up first and we actually had all the ingredients!! it was awesome. thank you!!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

    • Woohoo Lisa!! Yay that you found me and bigger YAY that you love the recipe! It's definitely one of my favs...so easy and devourable :) Thanks so much for the feedback!
      Reply

  28. This is an exact recipe that what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing the amazing recipe with us! that is very simple and easy to cook and I am always searching for new recipes like this.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  29. This was simple and just what I was looking for! I only had smoked paprika instead of regular and they turned out great!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  30. This is the first time I've commented on a recipe. These drumsticks are so good I had to let you know. My husband puts barbecue sauce on everything. I encouraged him to try these without. We both love them as is. Delicious, nutritious and inexpensive. Can't beat it!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

    • Jaci...this makes my week! I love it that this is your first recipe comment...yay! We are just as crazy for these drumsticks as you are. That's exactly why I put them on the blog, because they're soooo good, and easy, and affordable, and all the things. Thanks again for the feedback :)
      Reply

  31. Absolutely love how simple and easy it is to tailor this recipe to your families personal tastes, even for someone as inexperienced as myself. Threw some lemon pepper seasoning in and it’s absolutely divine.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  32. AbsoluteI made this recipe tonight for my husband and I. It was ABSOLUTELY delicious. The chicken was so juicy. I could’ve eaten all 6 legs. I was able to display some self control BUT I already can’t wait for lunch tomorrow. Thank you for such a simple, delicious recipe. I’ll definitely be making it again, and again.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

    • Tiffany...yay! So glad you found this and enjoyed it as much as we do. It really is shockingly juicy, isn't it?! Thanks SO much for your comment. Makes my day! :)
      Reply

  33. My partner and I love this recipe. We add just a little bit of spice to it and it's awesome
    ★★★★★
    Reply

    • Well this pretty much makes my day! Adding spice sounds great...I purposely left it on the plain side so people could do that. Thanks so much for dropping by and letting me know...always love to hear when a recipe works out nicely :)
      Reply

  34. Hi! This recipe sounds amazing and easy! My love for all types of chicken dates back too! I was just wondering if you pull the flaps of skin off the drumsticks will it effect the cooking of them or make them more crispy?
    ★★★★★
    Reply

    • Hi Kayla, thanks so much! Yep, I leave the skin on b/c, if removed, the meat will get dry, not crispy. If you want to remove the skin, just be sure to cover the meat with foil to avoid drying the surface. Hope that helps! :)
      Reply

  35. Oh, how I love chicken legs. Your recipe really impresses! I like that it can be cook quickly and easily. This is the perfect recipe for me. I definitely want to try this recipe, and I'm sure it's very tasty. Thank you for sharing this great recipe!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  36. I love the simplicity of this recipe. I like my chicken extra crispy so I will be putting in the broiler as you suggested.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  37. I'm a sucker for a quick crisp under the broiler, but like you said, you have to watch them like a hawk! Haha. I always try to remember to mention that in any broiling recipes I include on my blog. I had a bad experience back in the day when I'd *just* started my food blog as a hobby. I burned a nice piece of salmon. I almost quit blogging then and there; I figured I had no right. Hahaha. You live and learn! Great recipe, girl.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

    • Omgosh Dana, I love your story as much as I love chicken legs! That's hilarious...and I totally understand your disappointment. Thankfully, you pressed on...because the recipe world NEEDS your amazing things!! :)
      Reply

  39. Okay my kids would gobble this up in seconds. I am so putting this on the weekly rotation. I make chicken legs a lot but it's nice to have new ways to spice it up. Love all your step by step photos.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  40. Hey Traci, such a mouthwatering recipe can't wait to try spicy and yummy chicken drumsticks.I'm a big fan of chicken drumsticks and leg piece and you just shared the perfect article for my next recipe.Thanks for sharing such a delicious article.
    Reply

  42. I love chicken legs so much! I love the thighs too and I agree that they were gone way faster than I liked. Though my mom knew I liked them and would make sure I got at least one piece. I can't wait to try your recipe as it looks so delicious and easy!!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  44. I love to cook easy, simple recipes. These drumsticks look so juicy and yummy. I could certainly finish 5 drumsticks in one sitting. Yummers!!
    Reply

  45. These chicken legs are simple and easy. Chicken legs are also very economical so this is another way to save money on groceries and have a great meal.
    Reply

  47. I used the original recipe and baked them as directed and I added some Kansas City style barbecue sauce while the legs were cooking. Let me say they turned out delicious!!! I recommend this addition. 😎😎
    ★★★★★
    Reply

    • I love it, Martha! I kept them super simple just for that reason. I love the idea of BBQ sauce...it's making my mouth water right now! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated! :)
      Reply

  53. Love to have these any night of the week! They were cooked perfectly and delicious.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  54. As a single mom of 4,and 2 being teenage boys,THIS was the best recipe i could have found being that it's not only super easy,super quick,super delish..but also SUPER cheap!!! Thank you as this has became a family fav!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  55. Perfect. My husband likes simple, delicious recipes, and this was just what I was looking for.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

    • Hi Yohon, hmmm, not sure why they wouldn't brown for you. I hope it was at least delicious! If you like crispier and browner skin, you might try switching over to the broiler at the end of your cooking cycle and carefully brown them more to your liking. Let me know if you do it! Cheers!
      Reply

  57. Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. I used Italian herbs instead of garlic powder and added potato wedges to the pan for a complete meal. Loved it!
    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe: ☆☆☆☆☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Copyright Notice

Recipes, text, and watermarked images contained on this site are copyright of The Kitchen Girl 2019. If you feature my content anywhere online, or in print, please credit all image and recipe links back to original content. Unauthorized publishing and distribution is a copyright violation.

Affiliate Program

The Kitchen Girl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to readers.