• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Heather's Homemade Kitchen logo
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • About
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Oven Fried Chicken Legs

    July 15, 2022 | Updated May 20, 2025 | Heather

    JUMP TO RECIPE RATE RECIPE
    Close up view of oven fried chicken legs and chicken legs on platter.

    These Oven Fried Chicken Legs have become a reliable favorite in my kitchen after years of perfecting crispy, family-friendly meals. Drawing on decades of home cooking experience, I’ve crafted a recipe that’s full of flavor and crunch without deep frying. Backed by tested methods and clear instructions, this dish is one you can count on to be simple, satisfying, and a guaranteed winner.

    Close up view of oven fried chicken legs on wire rack in pan.

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Click HERE to read my policies.

    Why We Love These Oven Fried Chicken Legs

    • Chicken drumsticks are a very affordable protein, making this meal cheap and delicious!
    • There is a very little mess to clean up. No dirty oil to deal with afterwards.
    • It's a family friendly meal that is great any time of the year!
    • Chicken can be marinated the night before and then just shake and bake!
    • A perfect chicken recipe to serve on holidays, celebrations and family gatherings!

    Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Ingredients

    • Chicken Legs (drumsticks only)
    • Buttermilk
    • Paprika
    • Garlic Powder
    • Hot Sauce
    • Salt
    • Black Pepper
    • Whole Wheat Flour
    • Baking Powder

    Substitution Suggestions:

    • Chicken Legs: You can substitute with chicken thighs (bone in, skin on) too.
    • Buttermilk: If you don't want to buy buttermilk, you can make your own. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar in a measuring glass and fill with milk to the 2 cup line. Let milk sit for at least 5 minutes. It will look like it has curdled a little bit and that is exactly what you want.
    • Hot Sauce: I like to use a simple hot sauce like Frank's Red Hot. You could also use tabasco sauce, siracha or any cayenne pepper sauce. If you don't want to use hot sauce, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
    • Whole Wheat Flour: You can substitute all purpose flour or white whole wheat flour.
    • Baking Powder: Do NOT skip or forget this ingredient. The baking powder is what helps make the breading crispy and crunchy. It draws out some of the moisture in the skin, helping to make it extra crispy.
    Oven fried chicken legs ingredients.

    How to Make Oven Fried Chicken

    1. First, you will need to marinate the chicken for a little bit. Stretch and straighten the skin over the drumstick meat so it is covered as much as possible. Put the chicken legs in a large 2 gallon zip top bag or large bowl.
    2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Then, sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken and shake the bag or toss it in the bowl to coat.
    3. Stir together the buttermilk and hot sauce and pour it over the chicken. Cover if using a bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes on the counter. Or you can place it in the fridge and marinate it all day, up to overnight. The longer the better, in my opinion!

    Pro Tip: I usually use a zip top bag and then massage the chicken a bit after I have added the buttermilk mix.

    Chicken in marinade in large glass bowl.
    1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your baking sheet and heat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place an oven safe wire rack in the rimmed baking pan. Spray the rack with a little non-stick cooking spray.
    2. Next, make the breading. In a gallon size zip top bag, combine the whole wheat flour, paprika, baking powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Give it a shake to mix it all up.
    3. Once your chicken has finished bathing in the marinade, it's time to bread it. Take one leg at a time from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place it in the bag of breading and shake to completely coat. Place the coated chicken leg on the prepared wire rack. Repeat until all chicken legs are breaded.
    Close up of breaded chicken on wire rack.
    1. To finish the chicken off, spray the legs with non-stick cooking spray. It helps for even more crispy breading!

    How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in Oven

    1. Bake the chicken legs for 40-45 minutes and until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Using a instant read thermometer works great for checking temperature.
    2. Let chicken rest for at least 10 minutes.
    3. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

    It looks like a lot of steps, but don't be intimidated. It's easy, and can all be done in mostly zip top bags!

    Oven fried chicken legs on wire rack.

    What to Serve with Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks

    I usually serve a roasted vegetable, side salad and sometimes a biscuit with this delicious chicken. Here are some of our favorites:

    • Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
    • Garlic Cheese Biscuits
    • Air Fryer Green Beans
    • Homemade Cole Slaw
    • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    • Easy Drop Biscuits
    • Roasted Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    Do you have chicken drummy lovers in your family too? If so, don't miss this recipe for Oven Baked Chicken Legs. Roasted chicken drumsticks that turn out perfectly crispy and juicy!

    Close up of oven fried chicken legs.

    Storing Oven Fried Chicken

    Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.

    Reheating: This chicken can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven on low heat. You can also reheat the chicken in the air fryer. The air fryer helps keep the breading crispy.

    Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe

    • An instant-read thermometer is ideal for checking the temperature of chicken. I use the Pampered Chef one but this instant read thermometer from OXO is great too!
    • This sheet pan and rack combo is perfect for this recipe!
    • These aluminum sheet pans from Nordic Ware are a great option if you need the half sheet size.
    • I have a Nuwave basket air fryer. It works great.

    Tips for Oven Fried Chicken Legs

    • Stretch the skin over the drumstick as mush as possible. This will ensure every bite is crispy!
    • Marinating the chicken over night really helps keep the chicken tender and juicy, but at least 30 minutes will work if you are crunched for time (or forget like I often do).
    • The baking powder is key for making the breading nice and crispy. Don't skip it or forget it.
    • Bake the chicken on a wire rack. Doing this allows the air to circulate around the chicken so none of the breading gets soggy.
    • Use an instant read thermometer to test temperature of chicken. Bake until chicken reaches 160°F and let chicken rest for at least 10 minutes. It will continue to cook as it rests.
    • An air fryer is the best for reheating anything with breading.
    Top view of oven fried chicken legs on white square platter.

    More Yummy Chicken Recipes:

    • Baked Chicken Parmesan
    • Herb Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
    • Crispy Corn Flake Chicken
    • Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken
    • Simple Roasted Chicken Breast
    • Corn Flake Chicken Tenders
    • Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies
    • Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Did you make this recipe? Rate it!

    If you enjoyed this recipe give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comments below. It really helps the recipe stand out and I appreciate the feedback to make recipes everyone will enjoy.

    Close up view of oven fried chicken legs on wire rack in pan.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.50 from 2 votes

    Oven Fried Chicken Legs

    Oven Fried Chicken Legs are simple to make with no oil or mess to clean up! Juicy and tender chicken legs are oven fried to perfection making it a family winner any day of the week!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Heather
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 12 chicken legs (drumsticks), skin on

    For the Marinade

    • 2 cups buttermilk
    • 4 teaspoons paprika
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teapoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon hot sauce

    For the Breading

    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Place the chicken legs in a 2 gallon zip top bag or large bowl.
    • In a small bowl, combine the marinade seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the mix over the chicken and rub the seasonings all over the chicken.
    • Combine the buttermilk and hot sauce together and pour over the chicken. Toss it to coat a little bit.
    • Cover the chicken and let sit on the counter for 30 minutes or put it in the fridge for a few hours or as long as overnight.
    • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
    • Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven safe wire rack on it. Spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Combine the breading ingredients in a large gallon size bag and shake a bit to combine it all.
    • Take one chicken leg from the marinade and let the excess drip off a bit. Place the leg in the breading bag and shake to coat. Place the leg on the wire rack. Repeat with rest of chicken legs, coating one leg at a time.
    • Spray the chicken with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Bake the chicken for 40-45 minutes, until internal temp reads 160°F.
    • Let rest for at least 10 minutes and enjoy!!!!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2legs | Calories: 677kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 248mg | Sodium: 1240mg | Potassium: 739mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 530IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Please rate the recipe, leave a comment and tell me how much you loved it!
    Share the Recipe!Please share it and tag @heathershomemadekitchen and use #heathershomemadekitchen!

    More Chicken Recipes

    • Close up top view of breaded chicken cutlet on sheet pan.
      Breaded Chicken Cutlets
    • Top view of crock pot white chicken chili in white round bowl with tortilla chips and the crock pot on the side.
      Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
    • Instant pot salsa chicken nachos on white round plate.
      Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Nachos
    • 21 Dinner Recipes with Shredded Chicken

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.50 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

      Leave a comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Jayme Jannone says

      February 23, 2024 at 7:45 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is delicious. I made them for Super Bowl appetizer instead of wings and put different sauces on the side for dipping. However, the legs were so delicious without sauce because of the overnight marinade, that most ate them without sauce!

      Reply
      • Heather Warburton says

        March 06, 2024 at 11:13 am

        I'm so glad to hear this! Thank you so much! 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Heather.

    Hi! I’m Heather, I create and develop easy, from scratch recipes that are family friendly! I especially love to make cookies!

    More About Me...

    Easter Recipes

    • Front view of glazed lemon pound cake with slices stacked in front of loaf and topped with lemon triangle.
      Glazed Lemon Pound Cake
    • Close up top view of iced oatmeal cookies in pile with focus on top cookie.
      Iced Oatmeal Cookies
    • Top view of creamy fruit salad in round white serving bowl.
      Creamy Fruit Salad
    • Top view of lemon poppy seed cookies with center cookie garnished with triangle of lemon and sitting next to wire rack.
      Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

    Cookie Recipes

    • Chocolate chip m&m cookies on wire rack in in pile in front of rack with one cookie cut in half.
      Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookies
    • Pile of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.
      Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Frosted lucky cookie layered on top of another cookie.
      Frosted Lucky Cookies
    • Triple chocolate chip cookies staggered and layered on parchment paper.
      Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Popular Recipes

    • Close up side view of Oven roasted BBQ chicken slices.
      Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken
    • Close up top view of skillet mexican street corn garnished with lime wedges in cast iron skillet with wooden serving spoon on the side.
      Skillet Mexican Street Corn
    • Chicken dumpling soup in white bowl in front of red pot of soup.
      Chicken Dumpling Soup
    • Top view of egg bake casserole in baking dish with one piece out and spatula under another piece.
      Ham Egg and Cheese Bake

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Disclosure - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions | About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Click HERE to read my policies.

    Copyright © 2025 - Heather's Homemade Kitchen - Seasoned Pro theme

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.