These oven roasted chicken legs are everything you want for a cozy, fuss-free dinner—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor thanks to a simple spice blend. No fancy ingredients or techniques here, just a tried-and-true recipe that works every time. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd.
Why I Love These Crispy Baked Chicken Legs
At my place, chicken is always on the menu—and these baked drumsticks are one of the easiest ways to serve up something satisfying with very little prep. Unlike chicken breasts that can easily dry out, drumsticks stay moist and flavorful. And that skin? Oh, it crisps up beautifully in the oven.
All you need are a few basic pantry spices and some chicken legs. Toss, bake, and serve. That’s it. I usually pair these with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, but honestly, they go with just about anything. They’ve quickly become a regular at our dinner table—and they’re always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of this in your pantry already. Here’s what goes into making these drumsticks delicious:
- Chicken drumsticks (as many as you need, but the seasoning below works for about 8-10 pieces)
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika (or regular paprika if that’s what you have)
- Chili powder
- Onion powder
The smoked paprika gives them that nice slightly smoky flavor, almost like they’ve been grilled. But don’t worry—regular paprika will still give you plenty of flavor.
My Go-To Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Legs
Getting that crispy skin in the oven is all about removing moisture. So before anything else, grab a few paper towels and pat the chicken legs dry. Take your time here—dry skin = crispy skin.
Next, toss the drumsticks with olive oil in a large resealable bag or bowl. Once they’re coated, sprinkle in all the spices and give it another good shake (or stir) so everything is nicely coated.
For easier cleanup, I always line my baking tray with foil and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Then lay the drumsticks out in a single layer, skin side up, and they’re ready for the oven.
How Long to Bake Chicken Legs in the Oven
Bake them at 425°F (220°C)—this higher heat is the secret to that irresistible crispy skin. You don’t need to turn them while they cook. Just pop the tray in and let the oven do its thing for about 40 to 45 minutes.
To be absolutely sure they’re done, check with a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the leg (without touching the bone) should register at least 165°F, though I usually let them go a bit higher so the meat pulls away from the bone more cleanly and any red near the bone disappears.
No thermometer? Slice into one and check that the juices run clear and the meat is fully cooked through.
How to Store Leftovers
Got extras? Lucky you. Let them cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 4 days. The skin might lose a bit of its crispiness when reheated, but the flavor stays spot-on.
Pro tip: pull the meat off the bone and use it in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even in fried rice the next day. Cold or warm, it’s delicious.
What to Serve With Baked Chicken Legs
These go with just about everything, but here are a few of my favorites:
- Potatoes: mashed, roasted, or in the form of German potato salad or even cheesy baked ones
- Vegetables: roasted carrots, asparagus, or crispy air-fried broccoli
- Something starchy: garlic butter noodles, baked beans, or creamy orzo
Mix and match depending on your mood—these legs are versatile enough to pair with whatever’s in your kitchen.
Oven Roasted Chicken Legs
Tender and juicy chicken legs tossed in seasonings and baked to achieve a crispy skin.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks (approximately 2 lb)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking oil. Set aside.
- Remove chicken drumsticks from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Add olive oil and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings together. Add the seasoning blend to the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- While the safe internal temperature is 165°F, cooking a bit longer can help eliminate any redness near the bone and results in extremely tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
- Storage: Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. The skin may lose its crispness when reheated, but the meat remains flavorful. It’s great for sandwiches or salads and tastes delicious either cold or warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 201Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 357mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 22g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! The same spice rub works great on thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time based on size.
Can I marinate the drumsticks ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can coat them in oil and spices, then refrigerate for a few hours or even overnight. The flavor just gets better.
Can I freeze baked chicken legs?
Yep. Once they’re fully cooled, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to help crisp the skin back up.
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