You’ll learn the best temperature to bake chicken legs in this post, along with the best baking times and ways to keep the meat juicy and tender.
Drumsticks are one of the most underrated cuts of chicken, just like chicken thighs. They are more flavorful, moist, and easy to cook than white meat.
Each drumstick, without skin, has about 1. 5 ounces of meat which equates to 66 calories, 10 grams of protein, 2. 5 grams of fat, and no carbs, making them an ideal and lean protein option.
“How long does it take to bake chicken legs at 400°F?” is one of the questions I get asked most often as a home cook and food blogger. I get it—chicken legs are a family favorite—but getting the baking time right can be tricky. Too short, and they’ll be undercooked and unsafe. Too long, and you’ll end up with dry, overcooked meat. Not ideal!.
Well, you’ve come to the right place In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to bake juicy, delicious chicken legs at 400°F every time Stick with me, and you’ll be an expert in no time.
Why Choose 400°F?
First things first – why 400°F? There’s a good reason it’s the recommended temperature for baking chicken legs Here’s why it’s the sweet spot
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Achieves Crispy Skin: The high heat helps the skin get nice and browned and crispy.
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Cooks Through: 400° is hot enough to cook the chicken all the way through without drying it out.
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Quick Cooking Time: At this temp, chicken legs cook faster than lower oven temperatures. Win-win!
So in a nutshell, 400°F gives you the trifecta of crispy skin, fully cooked meat, and relatively quick baking time. Ideal for busy home cooks!
How Long Should You Bake Chicken Legs at 400°F?
Okay, you’ve preheated your oven to 400°F. Now, how long should the chicken legs bake to become perfectly cooked?
The magic time is:
40-45 minutes
Yep, keep ’em in the oven for 40-45 minutes and you’ll achieve chicken leg perfection.
During this time, the skin will become gorgeously browned and crispy. But more importantly, the meat will cook through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This temperature ensures the chicken is safe to eat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly baked chicken legs every time:
1. Pat the chicken legs dry
- Remove excess moisture with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.
2. Generously season all over
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika – get creative with spices!
3. Arrange on a baking sheet
- Line with parchment for easy cleanup.
4. Bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes
- Set a timer so you don’t forget.
5. Check internal temperature
- Insert a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F.
6. Allow to rest 5-10 minutes
- This makes the meat extra juicy.
7. Enjoy your perfect chicken legs!
- Dig in!
Really, it’s that simple. If you follow these steps and bake the chicken legs for the right amount of time, they will always be crispy and juicy.
Tips for Extra Crispy Skin
Looking to take your chicken skin from crispy to ultra crispy? Try these tricks:
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Dry thoroughly – Blot away all moisture with paper towels.
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Elevate on a rack – More air circulation = crispier skin.
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Brush with oil or butter – Adding fat helps crispiness. Do this midway through baking.
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Broil at end – 2 minutes under the broiler makes skin extra crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Common Baking Mistakes
It happens – even the best home cooks mess up chicken legs sometimes. Here are some common baking mistakes and how to avoid them:
Undercooked chicken – Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F. Undercooked chicken is unsafe.
Dry, overcooked chicken – Don’t overbake. Carefully monitor temperature.
Burned exterior – If skin browns too quickly, lower oven 25°F.
Uneven cooking – Arrange chicken in a single layer so all pieces cook evenly.
FAQs
Got questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about baking chicken legs at 400°F:
How do I know when they’re done? Put a meat thermometer in the leg where it is thickest. It should read 165°F.
Can I bake frozen chicken legs?
Yes, but add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time. And watch closely to prevent burning.
What if I want crispy skin without broiling?
Baste the legs with butter or oil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
What seasoning goes well with chicken legs?
Get creative with herbs, spices, garlic, citrus, etc! Some yummy combos are lemon-herb, chili-lime, or Italian seasoning.
Can I bake chicken legs at 375°F or 425°F?
Yes, just adjust cooking time up or down. Always rely on a thermometer for doneness.
How do I get the seasoning to stick?
Be sure to pat the chicken dry first. The seasoning will stick best to dry skin.
How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate completely cooled chicken legs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
How Long to Bake Chicken Legs at 425
425F will bake chicken legs the fastest, around 35 minutes, but keep an eye on the internal temperature. As soon as the chicken’s internal temperature the skin and upper layer of meat from drying out.
How Long to Bake Chicken Legs at 375
At 375F, chicken legs will cook through in 40 to 45 minutes. It’s a popular temperature that’s low enough but won’t take an hour to cook chicken. This temperature is also my go-to temp for baking chicken thighs and the best temperature for baking chicken breasts.