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Crispy golden baked chicken legs are fall-apart juicy and tender. Quick prep and hands-off baking make these deliciously seasoned chicken drumsticks a family dinner win!
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Why you'll love baked chicken drumsticks
Convenience - Baked chicken legs require 5 minutes of active prep and 30 minutes of hands-off baking, giving you time to prepare a salad or side dish. It's perfect for busy people of all cooking levels.
Family-loved - Kids go crazy for crispy chicken drumsticks, which makes everyone happy. Countless people have thanked me for rescuing their last-minute family dinner with these chicken legs.
Budget-friendly - Chicken legs are the most affordable part of a chicken. Since this recipe only requires simple pantry ingredients, your grocery dollars go even further.
So much flavor - The dark meat portion of chicken is naturally so juicy and tender. The delectable results are built-in, making baked chicken legs a fail-proof recipe for beginner cooks.
Minimal planning - The only plan you need is to have chicken legs on hand. After that, it takes 5 minutes to combine seasonings, coat the drumsticks, and push them into a preheated oven.
Nutritious - Oven-baked chicken legs are a naturally low-carb, high-protein entree.
Key Ingredients
You'll find the ingredient amounts in the full recipe below.
- Chicken legs - These are also called chicken drumsticks.
- Olive oil - You only need a tiny amount because the chicken skin renders fat while they bake and provides the same benefit of oil.
- Paprika - Use sweet paprika for the family-friendly version, or use smoked paprika for a bolder flavor. Sweet paprika is the more common of the two.
- Granulated garlic - This magical pantry ingredient makes for convenient prep, yet packs so much savory garlic flavor.
- Sea salt and black pepper - Essential seasonings for chicken legs.
How to bake chicken legs in the oven
Step 1: (optional) Let cold chicken legs rest (temper) for about 20 minutes at room temperature. This reduces total baking time and brings chicken to the desired temperature more efficiently.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove excess moisture from the surface of chicken drumsticks with a dry paper towel. This helps the skin become crispier as it bakes.
Step 3: Add oil and spices to a mixing bowl, whisk to combine, and thoroughly coat chicken legs. This chicken seasoning adds so much flavor!
Make-ahead tip: Refrigerate the seasoned drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking. I recommend letting them rest (temper) at room temperature for about 20 minutes to remove the chill before baking.
Step 4: Place chicken legs on a prepared baking sheet a few inches apart. Bake on the center oven rack of the preheated oven, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Rest the baked chicken legs for about 5 minutes at room temperature while carryover cooking occurs. You can loosely cover them until you're ready to serve.
What is the proper temperature for cooked chicken?
Chicken legs must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Pro tip: Never assume the internal temperature of cooked chicken. Insert a meat thermometer next to the bone for the most accurate reading. The best visual cue is when you cut into the leg meat closest to the bone – the juices should run clear, and the meat should easily separate from the bone.
How long to bake chicken legs
To reach the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, here's a basic guide for how long to bake chicken legs at different temperatures.
- Bake chicken legs at 425° or 400° for 20-25 minutes
- Bake chicken legs at 350° or 375° for 25-30 minutes
- Bake chicken legs at 300° or 325° for 30-40 minutes
Cooking tips for success
The size of chicken legs will affect the cooking time, so I recommend selecting legs that are similar in size.
An accurate oven temperature can make or break intended results. So, I recommend using an oven thermometer to always check the temperature reading before placing food into the oven.
You might like to bake chicken legs longer for crispier skin and a deeper golden color. Keep the internal temperature under 190 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent drying them out.
How to make chicken legs crispy
If you like extra crispy chicken legs, you have two options with this recipe:
Option #1: Bake chicken legs at a higher temperature, around 400 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. A lower temp like 350 degrees Fahrenheit won't result in crispy skin, but it will still be juicy and delicious.
Option #2: At the end of the baking cycle, switch your oven from bake to broil and place chicken legs 8 inches away from the broiler until the skin is crispy to your liking, flipping as needed.
FAQ
Yes. According to the USDA, frozen chicken can be baked with about 50% added cooking time. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Washing chicken is not recommended because it adds extra tasks and contaminates surfaces in the kitchen. The most effective technique to remove bacteria is to cook chicken to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
No. Baking chicken legs uncovered allows the dry heat to render the fat, making the skin crispy and keeping the meat juicy.
Chicken legs are done when they reach a safe minimal internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicated with a food thermometer. The juices run clear and the meat easily separates from the bone.
Storage instructions
Allow chicken to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can freeze these drumsticks for up to 90 days (or longer if vacuum sealed). If frozen, transfer to the refrigerator for an overnight thaw before reheating.
What to serve with chicken legs
Roasted mushrooms always pair nicely with chicken legs. Enjoy a comforting potato dish with baked chicken, such as a classic red potato salad with dill, Instant Pot mashed potatoes, smashed potatoes, or loaded baked potato salad.
You'll always win with a pasta side like Instant Pot mac and cheese or macaroni salad. My summer favorite is this mouthwatering pesto tortellini salad. This shaved Brussels sprout salad is a fall favorite!
More chicken recipes for your family dinner
- Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Baked Chicken Wings
- Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Chicken Penne Alla Vodka
- Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup
Did you make this Baked Chicken Legs recipe? I'd love to hear your feedback in the comments below!
📖 Recipe
Easy Baked Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
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Video
Note about scaling
When scaling (2x or 3x), the light gray ingredient amount doesn’t scale. Please adjust those accordingly.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, or preferred oil
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 6 Chicken Leg Drumsticks, patted dry with a paper towel
- Lemon Wedges (for garnish), optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together OLIVE OIL, PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER, SALT, and PEPPER.
- Add CHICKEN LEGS to the bowl of seasonings and toss to coat.
- Place chicken legs on a prepared baking sheet with at least 1-inch of space between each drumstick.
- Bake chicken legs uncovered 20-25 minutes they reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You are welcome to cook them longer for crispier skin.
- Transfer chicken legs to a serving platter, cover, and rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm. (optional) Garnish with LEMON WEDGES.
- Allow drumsticks to cool and store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes
- 425°F or 400°F for 20-25 minutes
- 350°F or 375°F for 25-30 minutes
- 300°F or 325°F for 30-40 minutes
Equipment
- cooking spray or parchment paper
Michael Bryant says
My partner and I love this recipe. We add just a little bit of spice to it and it's awesome
Traci Antonovich says
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 🙂
Kayla says
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?
Traci Antonovich says
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! 🙂
Veena says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Veena! Hope you get to try it out 🙂
Vicky says
I love the simplicity of this recipe. I like my chicken extra crispy so I will be putting in the broiler as you suggested.
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome Vicky, yep, once those chicken pieces are fully cooked, you can flip on the broiler and crisp them up. Be careful to not burn though 🙂
Dana says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
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!! 🙂
Kushi says
I just love the way this is done. Sounds so delicious !
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Kushi! 🙂
Karen says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Karen....glad you like the step by step! Hope this does one make it into your rotation 🙂
Supriya says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
You're so welcome, Supriya! So glad to inspire! 🙂
Valerie says
Traci I’m new at cooking will it make the sound of cooking like as if it is on the stove while in oven
Traci Antonovich says
Hi Valerie, I'm not sure I understand the question.
Lane says
I love how simple these are! Simple rules in my kitchen!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Lane...yep, meeee too!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
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!!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha yep, the parents always saved me a leg too, but it was never enough LOL
Natalie says
I love chicken drumsticks - so delicious and I love how easy this recipe is!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Natalie...I'm right there with you 🙂
Calleigh K says
I love to cook easy, simple recipes. These drumsticks look so juicy and yummy. I could certainly finish 5 drumsticks in one sitting. Yummers!!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha thanks! I'm right there with ya on gobbling them down 🙂
Sharon says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Couldn't have said it better myself...thanks Sharon! 🙂
Edyta says
There's nothing better than easy chicken drumsticks recipe. I make them once a week :0
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Edyta...they're so easy to make 1x week, aren't they 🙂
Martha says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
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! 🙂
Jacqueline says
Quick and easy recipes are definitely the go-to recipes in my kitchen.
Traci Antonovich says
Yes! Couldn't agree more Jacqueline 🙂 Thanks so much!
linda spiker says
I am all about simple these days. Love this. Serve with a salad and boom! Done:)
Traci Antonovich says
Right there with you Linda. Thanks...hope you love them! 🙂
Maggie says
I live for easy recipes. This looks so good too. Pinning for later!
Traci Antonovich says
I'm right there with you Maggie! Thanks so much! 🙂
Kiki Johnson says
Chicken drumsticks are on offer this week! Perfect timing! I think I am gonna give this a try. Thanks for the great recipe!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Kiki...love it when these things go on a big sale too! Hope you love them!
Jaime says
I love simple meals that are inexpensive! My husband will love these!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay thanks Jaime! Glad to hear it and I hope he does 🙂
JB says
Love to have these any night of the week! They were cooked perfectly and delicious.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much JB! Always love hearing the outcome! 🙂
Cortni Hogan says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks SO much Cortni! Love hearing everything you love about this and I couldn't agree more 🙂 So glad you found it...plenty more where that came from 🙂
Carrie says
Perfect. My husband likes simple, delicious recipes, and this was just what I was looking for.
Traci Antonovich says
Yay thanks for letting me know! This one doesn't get any more simple...or delicious 🙂 Hope you love it like we do!
Yohon Sabastian says
I tried this and mine would not brown.
Traci Antonovich says
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!
Easy Roast says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
We looooove simple recipes and this one is super versatile for changing up seasonings. Love pan meals too! Thanks for stopping by 🙂