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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
Marisa Franca says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Yay thanks Marisa! So glad to hear it and I know you'll love those seasonings 🙂
Sues says
Definitely bookmarking these for the new year! My husband would love them... So would I... And I especially love how easy they are!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome Sues, baked chicken legs really are the easiest! Hope you love them 🙂
Lisa says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Lisa! So right about the moist factor. Baked chicken legs really are one of my fav comfort foods. 🙂
Tina says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Tina! Yep, make ahead or make at the last minute...they're a hit! 🙂
Daniela says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
Sounds delish! Hope you love it! 🙂
Tracy says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Tracy...yeah, super kid-friendly! 🙂
Debra says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Debra! Yep, I'm religious about that meat thermometer 🙂 Glad you love these!
Gloria says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Gloria! Baked chicken legs are, hands down, one of my favorite, no-fuss meals 🙂
Atom miller says
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.)
Traci Antonovich says
Well thanks...haven't tried that, and now I must!
Hudson Jack says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
I'm so glad to hear your enthusiasm...we think alike 😉 Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!
Sioux C. says
My family loved these!! It's such an easy recipe but delicious. I'll definitely be making this again. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome! This makes my day and I'm so glad you found the recipe 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
sybil says
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
Traci Antonovich says
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?
Chekita Hernandez says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Chekita, I'm so glad to hear this and happy you found the recipe. Thanks for the feedback too...it's great to hear how it worked out for you! 🙂
Andrea says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay Andrea...so glad you found this recipe and enjoyed it. Gotta love those broilers too! Thanks so much for stopping back by with your feedback! 🙂
Mary says
Making a large batch 30 or so. How much seasoning should I use multiply by 5?
Thank you for your help
Mary
Traci Antonovich says
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!!!
Kimberley says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
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! 🙂
Tiffany Twieg says
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?
Traci Antonovich says
Hi Tiffany, I haven't done that with this particular recipe but I've done it with other chicken recipes. Works great! Let me know if you end up trying it 🙂
William Shaw says
Found your Recipe on internet, thought I would coat it, now I am looking forward to tasting it. They look YUM.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks William, hope you love them like we do!
Jackie says
So delicious, we make this 2-3 times a month!
Traci Antonovich says
Woohoo! So glad to hear it! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know 🙂
Lisa says
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!!
Traci Antonovich says
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!
Kay Hughes says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome Kay! Glad you can enjoy it!
Monica says
This was simple and just what I was looking for! I only had smoked paprika instead of regular and they turned out great!
Traci Antonovich says
I'm so glad to hear it, Monica! And any paprika would work for this one. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
Jaci says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
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 🙂
WILLIAM says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks William! Tailoring is exactly what I made room for with this recipe. And lemon pepper sounds divvvvine 🙂
Tiffany says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
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! 🙂