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Crispy golden baked chicken legs are fall-apart juicy and tender. Quick prep and hands-off baking makes these deliciously seasoned chicken drumsticks a family dinner win!
Why you'll love baked chicken drumsticks
Convenience - Baked chicken legs require 5 minutes of active prep and about 30 minutes of hands-off baking, which gives 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 (and thighs) are the most affordable part of a chicken. Since this recipe only requires a few simple pantry ingredients, your grocery dollars go even further.
So much flavor - The dark meat portion of a chicken always cooks up so juicy and tender once, especially bone-in skin-on chicken pieces. Just like air fryer chicken drumsticks and baked chicken thighs, the delectable results are built-in, which makes baked chicken legs a fail proof recipe for beginner cooks.
Minimal planning - You know the saying. Fail to plan, plan to fail uhhh, rock this dinner! 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, not to be confused with baked chicken wings (or drummies), or the whole leg and thigh piece together.
- olive oil - You only need a tiny amount because the skin renders fat while they bake.
- 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.
- garlic powder - If you prefer to use garlic salt, I recommend reducing or omitting the sea salt in this recipe.
- sea salt and black pepper
How to bake chicken legs in the oven
Enjoy these step by step instructions. You'll find the full recipe below.
Step 1: (optional) Let cold chicken legs rest (temper) 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: At this point, you can refrigerate the drumsticks up to 8 hours in an airtight container. I recommend letting them rest (temper) at room temperature about 20 minutes to remove the chill before baking.
Step 4: To bake, place chicken legs on a prepared baking sheet a few inches apart. Bake on the center oven rack of 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 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
In order to reach the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, here's a basic guide of 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
Make a side dish in the same oven
While the chicken legs are baking, I love to bake smashed potatoes or roasted mushrooms. Roasted vegetables usually require a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven temperature, which is my preferred temperature to bake chicken legs.
Cooking tips for success
The size of chicken legs will affect the cooking time, so I recommend selecting legs that are similar in size. However, you can always bake individual chicken legs longer or shorter, as needed.
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 deeper golden color. The internal temperature ends up around 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes even juicier meat.
How to make chicken legs crispy
If you like extra crispy chicken legs, you have 2 options with this recipe:
Option #1: Bake chicken legs at a higher temperature – between 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 cook 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. In fact, baking chicken legs uncovered allows the dry heat to render the fat which makes the skin crispy and keeps 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 up to 5 days. You can freeze these drumsticks 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
It's always comforting to enjoy a potato dish with baked chicken such as a classic red potato salad with dill, Instant Pot mashed potatoes, or loaded baked potato salad.
You'll always win with a pasta side like Instant Pot mac and cheese or macaroni salad. My personal summer favorite is this mouthwatering pesto tortellini salad whereas shaved Brussels sprout salad is a fall favorite!
More chicken recipes for your family dinner
- Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- 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. I'll personally respond!
📖 Recipe
Easy Baked Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
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
- 1 Lemon (cut into wedges) for garnish
Equipment
- cooking spray or parchment paper
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.
Final step
Click stars to vote. Please visit 'Comments' below for reviews.
Video
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
Al says
Can't believe how easy these and delicious these chicken legs are! I love how a few basic pantry ingredients can result in such BIG flavor...and it all comes together in 5 minutes. Perfect protein for weeknight dinner - thanks KG!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayy! I'm so glad you love to roast chicken legs as much as I do! Thanks for the feedback
Brad says
This worked to perfection! I don't have the best oven in the world, so I had to wing the cooking times. Chicken was juicy and tasty. I will definitely use this recipe again.
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Brad! Yeah, it's okay if oven temperature isn't spot on, as long as the chicken minimum internal temperature is 165°. So glad you enjoyed, thanks for the feedback 🙂
Lenemarie says
I love this recipe but I have a question do you cover the pan with aluminum foil.
The Kitchen Girl says
Hi Lenemare, I don't cover it. I'm so glad you love it! We do toooo 🙂
Melissa says
This was very good and moist. I used it as the base seasoning for my bbq chicken. My only regret is that I didn't cook it correctly to get super crispy skin.
Kids loved it!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay! I always love it when the kids sign off! Thanks, Melissa
Dinger says
Good recipe. Leave out the life story next time.
The Kitchen Girl says
Hi Dinger, no life story here, just tips and tricks about baked chicken legs. Thanks
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Thanks for the recipe but I have to admit I was totally distracted by that blue plate. Where did you get it?
The Kitchen Girl says
Haha thanks, Jacqueline! That blue enamelware gets me every time too. I picked it up at a local antique store, which doesn't help you, but the collection is called "graniteware"
Pavani says
Such a simple yet so delicious and easy to make recipe. This is sure a crowd pleaser. Thank you for the detailed post and tips.
The Kitchen Girl says
You're so welcome, Pavani! Glad you can enjoy these chicken legs
Alison says
I love how simple this recipe is and that it only requires a few simple ingredient that I have in my pantry!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Alison! Yep, baked chicken legs have a ton of flavor! Enjoy!
Caroline says
We love roast chicken and my kids have become pretty big fans of chicken on the bone too. We typically go for a whole chicken but I might have to try these soon to have more bone pieces - love the simple seasoning and different temperature options for flaxibility.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Caroline! So glad your family can enjoy these! 🙂
Kushigalu says
Love this easy and delicious chicken recipe for dinner. Thanks for sharing
The Kitchen Girl says
You're so welcome and thanks for the great feedback, Kushiglau Baked chicken legs are def a hit on our dinner table!
Bryan F says
For future reference do you flip your drumsticks or not
Traci Antonovich says
Hi Bryan, I don't. I've never found the need for it. Hope that helps 🙂 Enjoy!
JB says
Easiest, best baked chicken leg recipe I have found. Thank you. Love this site!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks JB! This makes my day!! 🙂
Kathy Nealon says
I make these all the time. Have made them using skinless legs. Best recipe for legs ever. Thank you!
Traci Antonovich says
Wow Kathy! Thanks so much for the kind words 🙂
Allie Ketcham says
I was looking for something different to do with chicken legs and was so happy to see a Kitchen Girl recipe pop up in my search. I am making these for dinner tonight and will think of you, Traci!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay! Thanks so much Allie! Hope you LOVE them like we do 🙂
Allie Ketcham says
We love this so much, we are going to use it for our Ketcham Estate "Tasty Tuesday!"
Traci Antonovich says
Woot! This totally makes my day, Allie! It's one of my favorite recipes of ALL time, so I'm glad you love it too! 🙂
Esther says
So simple and so delicious. The best chicken legs I've ever baked thanks to you.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks for the kind words, Esther! I feel the same way about baked chicken legs, but I always love hearing it from my readers 🙂
Kathy says
So easy and SO DELICIOUS. It looks and tastes like it just came off the grill.
I put the chicken on a foil lined sheet pan. Easy cleanup, too!
This recipe is a keeper.
Traci Antonovich says
Boom! I love this feedback, Kathy! Glad you loved it and THANK YOU for taking the time to let me know 🙂
Judy says
How many drummies do you recommend for 8 adults? How much seasoning? Thanks
Traci Antonovich says
Hi Judy, these are full-sized, chicken leg drumsticks, about 4oz each. If you're serving them as a main protein with sides, I'd plan on 2 chicken legs per person, with a couple extra legs, so 18 chicken legs. To determine seasoning, just hop back on my recipe card and adjust the 'servings' slider to 18 legs and it will tell you how much seasoning to use.
Mo Diaby says
Thanks for the recipe. I was so hungry and this simple and easy recipe rescued me tonight.
Traci Antonovich says
You're so welcome, Mo. I feel the same way about baked chicken legs when I'm really hungry and I don't want to think about it 🙂
Connie says
Fixed this for dinner tonight and I can say this recipe is a keeper. Easy & delicious........ Thanks
Traci Antonovich says
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Connie! Baked chicken legs are one of my favs, for sure 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Melissa Hurt says
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
Traci Antonovich says
Melissa, this makes my whole week! I love it when this recipe is popular with the kiddos. Thank you SO much for letting me know!
Trish says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Trish! These are SO football ready! 🙂
Mackenzie says
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!)
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, and I hear ya, Mackenzie. Yes...go for the pack of legs! 🙂
Tammy says
So easy and so yummy!!!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Tammy! Those are my favorite words! 🙂
Carmy says
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.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Carmy! As for that spice combo, great minds... 😉
Kris says
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!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Kris! I know you'll enjoy this recipe 🙂
Dana says
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 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Haha thanks Dana! I just signed you up 😉