Everyone in the family loves this simple recipe for juicy Baked Chicken Legs! Chicken drumsticks are seasoned with a tasty mix of spices and baked in the oven until the skin gets nice and crispy.
Looking for more easy baked chicken recipes? Try Baked Chicken Thighs or Baked Chicken Breast next!
For good reason, chicken legs, which are also called drumsticks, are a kitchen staple: they’re cheap, taste great, and are easy to make. But it can be hard to get the bake time just right for chicken legs that are juicy, tender, and have crispy skin. Whenever you follow this guide, you’ll end up with oven-baked chicken legs that will make your mouth water.
What is the Best Temperature and Time to Bake Chicken Legs?
The optimum oven temperature for baking bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks is 425°F. At this high heat, the exterior gets crispy while the interior stays nice and moist. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 185°F.
Cooking at lower temperatures like 350°F will work, but will take 10-15 minutes longer. You’ll also sacrifice some of that delicious crispiness.
Oven Temperature and Bake Time Guide:
- 350°F – 50-55 minutes
- 375°F – 45-50 minutes
- 400°F – 40-45 minutes
- 425°F – 35-40 minutes (recommended)
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer over time. Chicken legs are safely cooked at 165°F, but for the best texture and tenderness, you want to go higher to around 185°F.
At this internal temperature, the collagen in the chicken fully melts, delivering meat that is moist and easy to pull off the bone.
How to Bake Juicy Chicken Legs with Crispy Skin
Follow these simple steps for foolproof baked chicken legs every time:
1. Prep the Baking Sheet
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Place a wire cooling rack on top and coat lightly with cooking spray.
Tip: The wire rack lets air flow around the chicken so it cooks evenly. No rack? Just flip the legs halfway through baking.
2. Pat Chicken Dry and Season
- Pat drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Season all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
Tip Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting crispy skin.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Place chicken legs on the prepared rack/sheet skin-side up.
- Arrange with the thicker end of the legs pointing outward to the edges.
4. Bake at 425°F Until 185°F Internal Temp
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part reaches 185°F.
5. Rest and Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before digging in. Enjoy!
Troubleshooting Guide for Perfect Baked Chicken Legs
Having issues getting ideal results? Here are some common problems and solutions
Skin not crispy? Make sure chicken is patted very dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Uneven cooking? Position thicker ends of drumsticks toward edges of pan where it’s hottest. Use a rack to allow air circulation.
Still underdone? Don’t rely on time, always check internal temp. Chicken legs need to reach 185°F for ideal texture.
Meat drying out? Don’t overcook. 185°F to 180°F is a good range for meat that is both juicy and tender.
Tips and Variations for Oven-Baked Chicken Legs
Take your drumsticks to the next level with these ideas:
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To make the legs taste better, marinate them overnight in a zip-top bag. Italian dressing or lemon-herb marinade both work great.
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Toss dried spices on the chicken instead of plain salt and pepper. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or poultry seasoning are all tasty options.
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For finger-licking sticky drumsticks, coat with barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
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Add a spicy kick with cayenne pepper or other dried chiles. Jalapeño and chipotle peppers also make excellent rubs.
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For a low-carb meal, skip the breading and bake chicken drumsticks right on the bone. They get perfectly crisp and flavorful.
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To reheat leftovers, bake at 350°F until warm throughout. The oven preserves texture better than the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are some common FAQs:
Is it better to bake chicken legs at a higher or lower temperature?
Higher is better, around 400-425°F. The hotter oven makes the exterior nice and crispy. Lower temps work but increase bake time and yield less crispy skin.
How long does it take to bake frozen chicken legs?
Expect it to take 50-70 minutes at 375°F. Always thaw frozen legs first for food safety and best results.
What’s the minimum safe internal temperature for baked chicken legs?
Chicken legs are safely cooked at an internal temp of 165°F according to USDA guidelines.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
Invest in an inexpensive instant-read thermometer. It’s the only reliable way to ensure chicken legs are fully cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Can I flip the chicken legs when baking?
Flipping halfway isn’t mandatory, but it helps prevent uneven cooking if you don’t have a rack.
How long do baked chicken legs last in the fridge?
Store leftovers for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 4 months. Reheat fully before serving.
Conclusion
Follow this simple bake time guide and technique for juicy, tender chicken drumsticks with crispy skin every time. The sweet spot is 425°F for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature hits 185°F. Season to taste, bake on a rack, and you’ll enjoy this family favorite over and over again.
Easy Chicken Legs Recipe
When you need an easy dinner idea that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, baked chicken legs are it! This baked chicken legs recipe makes flavorful, juicy chicken drumsticks with the best golden brown crispy skin.
This meal is super easy to make (10 minutes prep!) and so family-friendly. After tossing the drumsticks with the seasonings, you’ll pop them in the oven and let the oven do the rest of the work. Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes (we love them with Biscuits and Corn on the Cob), and enjoy!.
How to Bake Chicken Legs
Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with foil and greasing the foil with cooking spray or oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Combine the seasonings in a small bowl.
Pat the chicken legs dry and place them in a large bowl.
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat the chicken in the oil.
Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the chicken. Then toss to coat the chicken legs in the seasoning.
Bake. Place the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 400° F, flipping them over halfway through baking, until cooked through.
Rest. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps to keep the meat juicy.