This Baked Chicken Legs recipe makes crispy chicken drumsticks with tender, juicy meat in 30 minutes. 5-minute prep and hands-free baking make it perfect for any cooking skill level, even on busy weeknights. Includes instructions on how long to bake chicken legs at various oven temperatures.
Easy Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks
My love for chicken drumsticks dates back to my childhood.
They were always my favorite piece of chicken. The only problem was that there were only 2 pieces per chicken. Even if I was the only one eating them, two chicken legs were never enough.
Now that I’m a big kid, I can make a whole sheet pan of them...as many as I want. Guess what? Everyone loves them!
Why this is the best chicken drumstick recipe?
EASY - It's crazy simple with only 5-minute prep. You don't need to work in a restaurant to know how to bake chicken. You just need a few instructions and helpful tips from your friend, The Kitchen Girl. Bonus!
WELL-TESTED & FAMILY-APPROVED - Kids go crazy for this chicken drumstick recipe. I can't tell you how many people have reached out to me with comments on what a lifesaver this recipe is. Big kids go crazy for chicken legs too! They love it because it's so easy to make and easier to eat by everyone in the family!
BUDGET-FRIENDLY - Baked chicken legs are ridiculously affordable! Oven-roasted chicken can be such a money saver depending on what ingredients you add to it. But, lightly seasoned, baked drumsticks don't require any special ingredients, and yet their flavor and texture somehow just satisfy everyone! Your pocketbook wins...again!
PLAN? WHAT PLAN? - You truly need minimal planning, if any, for this baked chicken recipe. Once the chicken legs are seasoned, this baby is hands-free, so you can do ALL the things while dinner is being made. It bakes in under an hour!
DIET-FRIENDLY - Oven baked chicken legs easily accommodate some of the most popular diets: low carb, keto, Whole30, and paleo.
Baked Chicken Leg Drumstick Ingredients
- olive oil
- paprika
- garlic powder
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- chicken leg drumsticks (patted dry with paper towel)
What IS the proper cooked chicken temperature for baked chicken legs?
All chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered food safe. To do this, insert a meat thermometer into the chicken legs alongside the bone.
Boneless chicken must also register 165°F on the meat thermometer to be considered food-safe.
And don't just go with your gut, especially with bone-in chicken. Use a meat thermometer to the minimum internal temperature of any chicken.
How long to bake chicken legs at different temperatures
In order to reach our #1 goal of 165° minimum internal temperature (for ALL poultry), here's a basic guideline 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
Why bake chicken legs at different oven temperatures?
There are 3 reasons I would use different temperatures to bake chicken drumsticks (or any chicken).
#1 - TIMING - Quite simply, there are times you might want the longer baking time associated with the lower oven temperature. It's kinda like having your food babysat while you do a million other things. Alternatively, you may want to get those chicken legs on the dinner table in 25 minutes...totally doable!
#2 - OVEN SPACE - If you need to bake a side dish while the chicken legs are baking, this can be really handy. For instance, I always double down and make roasted mixed veggies, Smashed Potatoes, or Roasted Mushrooms as a chicken leg side dish. Each side dish requires a 400° oven temperature and can be baked at the same time as the chicken legs.
#3 - CRISPY SKIN - Here's the deal...the higher the oven temperature and faster the chicken legs cook, the crispier the skin.
Keep in mind that roasted vegetables take only 15 minutes at 400° while the chicken legs take 20-25 minutes. Because of this, you may need to bake the legs a few minutes longer to accommodate any loss of heat from opening and closing the oven door.
NOTE: 3 Factors affecting oven times include:
- #1 - The size of the chicken legs will affect the cooking time.
- #2 - The accuracy of your oven - I recommend to always keep an oven thermometer in your oven...and don't forget to look at it. You may need to adjust your oven temperature up, or down, depending on its inaccuracy.
- #3 - The temperature of the chicken legs when they go into the oven (i.e., Have they been sitting at room temp...or are they just out of the fridge and really cold?)
How to bake chicken leg drumsticks
Step 1: 5-MINUTE PREP
Preheat oven to 400°; add seasonings to a bowl.
Whisk until well-combined.
Pour over chicken drumsticks and toss to coat the chicken legs.
Step 2: YOU'RE READY TO BAKE
Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place seasoned chicken legs on the baking sheet a few inches apart from each other.
Make-ahead tip: At this point, you can either bake the chicken legs or let them sit overnight and bake when you're ready. If you're baking them later, simply refrigerate the seasoned chicken in an airtight container until ready to bake.
Step 3: BAKE THE CHICKEN LEGS
Place chicken legs on the center rack in the 400°F oven and bake 20-25 minutes. Chicken legs will be golden and internal temperature (next to the bone) should register 165° with a meat thermometer.
* See full recipe below for other baking temperatures and times
How to make chicken legs crispy in the oven
If you like crispy chicken legs, you can bake them at a higher temperature like 425°F. A lower temp like 350°F won't result in crispy skin.
No matter what temperature you use to bake chicken legs, you can always make them crispier by finishing them in the broiler. At the end of the baking cycle, switch your oven from BAKE to BROIL.
To broil on HIGH, place the oven rack in the oven center, about 8" away from the flame. To broil on LOW, adjust the oven rack closer to the flame. Broil from 2-5 minutes until chicken leg skin is crisped to your liking. Be careful to prevent chicken from burning. I've done it 🙁
Recommended tools:
- paper towels (to pat chicken dry)
- large mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- tongs
- cooking spray
- meat thermometer
What to serve with Baked Chicken Legs
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- THE BEST Potato Salad
- Garlicky Oven Roasted Mushrooms
- Loaded Baked Potato Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
- Tortellini Pasta Salad
Grab these easy chicken recipes
- Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
- One Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast in 1 Hour - ok, it's not chicken, but it's the next best thing on a busy weeknight!
Easy Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 6 Chicken Leg Drumsticks, patted dry with a paper towel
- 4 Lemon Wedges, for garnish
RECIPE VIDEO
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together OLIVE OIL, PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER, SALT, and PEPPER. Pour over CHICKEN LEGS and toss until they are well-coated.
- Place chicken legs on a coated baking sheet with space between each.
- Bake 20-25 minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer next to the bone to confirm a 165° F minimum internal temperature. Transfer chicken legs to a serving platter and allow a 5-minute rest before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with LEMON WEDGES.
- Allow chicken drumsticks to cool and store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Traci's Notes
Chicken Drumstick Recipe FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken legs for this chicken drumstick recipe? Baking frozen chicken legs are not recommended for this recipe unless they are completely thawed before baking. Should I rinse chicken legs before baking? I do not recommend rinsing uncooked chicken. They reason for this is that it actually creates more work. Raw chicken contaminates kitchen surfaces and your hands, which must be disinfected to avoid risk of food born illness from. So, skip the extra chores and just get that chicken seasoned and into the oven. Do I need to cover my chicken legs when baking? No. It's not necessary to cover the pan for this chicken leg recipe. In fact, leaving the legs uncovered results in crispier skin. How long to bake chicken legs The golden rule is ... 165°F minimum internal temp of chicken drumsticks will be your ultimate guide, but you can use these times/temps as a starting point:- 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
Nutrition
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
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 😉
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!