Oven Baked Chicken Legs

Name: Oven Baked Chicken Legs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 chicken leg drumsticks; 1/4 cup salted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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These easy Oven Baked Chicken Legs turn out tender and juicy with the best crispy skin. Made with simple pantry ingredients this chicken dish is going to be a new family favorite.

Close up of oven baked chicken legs in red baking dish.

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Why We Love Oven Baked Chicken Legs

Effortless recipe to prepare and completely foolproof.
Made with simple ingredients that are always in the spice drawer.
Turns out juicy with crispy skin every time!
Family friendly dish that pairs well with your favorite side dishes.
Great recipe to feed a crowd.

Baked Chicken Legs Ingredients

Chicken Leg Drumsticks
Salted Butter
Salt
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Paprika
Black Pepper

Substitution Suggestions:

Chicken Leg Drumsticks: You can use thighs, breasts or leg quarters if you like. The time of baking will need to be adjusted.
Salted Butter: Unsalted butter can be used, I suggest adding a little more salt to the spice mix. Olive oil is also another good substitute.
Seasonings: This is my go to seasoning blend for a lot of things. If you have a favorite, you can use it. You can also use any store bought seasoning blend like Trader Joe's 21 seasoning salute or a Salt Free Mrs. Dash blend.

How to Make Baked Crispy Chicken Legs

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Place chicken legs into a 9x13 baking dish, and pull any bunched up skin back over the meat and then pat them dry with paper towels.
Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.

Melted butter brushed over chicken legs in baking dish.

Brush the melted butter evenly over the chicken legs.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and black pepper.
Evenly sprinkle the spice mix over the buttered chicken legs.

Bake the chicken uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes and serve.

What to Serve with Easy Chicken Drumstick Recipe

I like to serve a starch or carb and a veggie with any protein dish. Here are some of our favorites to have with these yummy chicken legs.

Oven baked chicken legs on piled on a round white plate.

Storing Oven Baked Chicken

Place any leftover chicken legs into an air tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheat the chicken in the microwave, in a low oven or in an air fryer until warmed through.

If you're looking for more chicken leg recipes try these delicious Oven Fried Chicken Legs.

Tips for Oven Baked Chicken Legs

If you can let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before preparing and baking. It allows the chicken to bake more evenly.
Be sure to really pat the chicken dry. This helps ensure the skin gets extra crispy.
Use an instant read thermometer to test internal temperature of chicken.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes so all the juices can redistribute.

Top view of oven baked chicken legs in red rectangle baking dish.

FAQs

Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?

Roasting the chicken legs at 400-425°F will result in a crispy skin with juicy chicken. Baking at 350°F will not allow the skin to get crispy, but the chicken will still be tender.

How long does it take to bake chicken drumsticks in the oven at 400 degrees?

Chicken drumsticks will take about 40-45 minutes to fully cook through in a 400°F oven. It also will depend on the size of your chicken legs and the temperature they are at when placed in the oven. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken if you are unsure if the chicken is fully cooked.

What temperature to cook baked chicken legs to?

Chicken legs along with thighs and breasts all need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.

Close up of oven baked chicken legs on white plate.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes:

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